Character Calendar

A CHARACTER
CALENDAR

By

SISTER MARY FIDELIS
and

SISTER MARY CHARITAS
S.S.N.D

™ E Y B R R f P "BLISHING COMPANY

NEW YORK MILWAUKEE CHICAGO

Nihil obstat
H. B. RIES,

Censor librorum

Imprimatur

* SAMUEL A. STRITCH,
Archiepiscopus Milwauchiensis

September 25, 1931

(Catholic School Journal Reprint)

COPYRIGHT, 1931

THE BRUCE PUBLISHING COMPANY

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

DEDICATION

TO CHMST THE KING, WHO, BEING
LIFTED UP, MAY DEIGN TO BLESS THESE,
OUR HUMBLE EFFORTS, TO AID IN DRAW-
ING ALL THINGS TO HIMSELF.

INTRODUCTION

tual development. Its formulation of ideak h H

- - Lx r ;i a i? is ' good evwy *». -m »•

Vlll INTRODUCTION

spiritual formation of the individual which is the goal
of Christian education.

I am glad of the opportunity to commend this "labor
of love" of Sisters Fidelis and Charitas, and proud of
having had a little to do with it in its preparation.

Edward A. Fitzpatrick

CONTENTS

T PAGE

JANUARY

February

■ • * i • • o\J

March .....

APML 58

MAY 77

J UNE 97

JULY 115

August t ,,

134

September

October #

November

I'kcember , in

* * • • • • £ I U

,NDEX 231

JANUARY

J-«. 1. THE CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD

|J2£ ?« U ? y ° n ^^ thC lDfant Christ *» formaHy give,

^JotLn LO t r h d ee. S lV^L Th0U * My S ° n ' thk <* *« I
What a great thing it fa to Iove J^.j^,^. B(Jok „

hi ftSte^^^TA 1 "^ obli ^ to this pain-
"olve to show 2 how to live and Sw^T * . n,i ! ld the re "
»<• should do even more thin w» Tu^^S* us to know that
'<■> when the ^Kfi S-tSjE* "' ^ ^

re is no use encourag ng Jou^to tr"v M ^ !?* S"^'

h«ve any spirit at aII, g vou wiU ro l un vm?r i " *"'•" you
•<-'h and go at your wo'rk with tb^/oTa t^of ^
Slogan: Well begun is half done.

>••■'• 2. ST. FULGENTIUS, Bishop

■■"W^tbW^Lr* - unti i his **■ —
^ h ^ s ris£E9HS^^

E peace to the endtf I* dlyl * b,Shopric and ""^

ff .iXh^^<a^ S* ° f -Wr works, thou
WW/ K«^,; Antiphon * ' P * f ° r " S U " t ° the Lord —

2 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Today: You are probably in the habit of making five or more
resolutions which you will scarce remember next week. Make one,
and let that be a resolve to spend the first fifteen minutes of each
session, morning and afternoon, as nearly perfect in observance of
duty as possible. If you are too weak to keep up for the remaining
twenty-five minutes of the period what you began so courageously
in the first fifteen, you are excusable, but weakness, as you know,
is contemptible; that kind of weakness is.

Slogan: But the just man is brave as the lion.

Jan. 3. ST. GENEVIEVE, Virgin

When St. Germanus was passing through the district of Nan-
terre, near Paris, he took particular notice of a little shepherdess,
and predicted her future sanctity. This was but the beginning of
unusual events in the life of St. Genevieve. She became an angel
of mercy, was unjustly persecuted, procured corn for Paris dur-
ing the siege, turned away the threatening Huns, and became
adviser to King Clovis.

Because of truth, and meekness, and justice, thy right hand
shall conduct thee wonderfully. — Gradual; Psalm x.

Thou alone art good, just, and holy; Thou canst do all things;
Thou givest all things; Thou fillest all things leaving only the
sinner empty. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: Perhaps if a little girl tending sheep by the wayside tried
to tell you a few things or to give you a bit of sound advice, you
would be inclined to wonder at her daring. You see how truly
great she became and how much the nation owes her.

Today: Watch yourself. Are there not some people whom you
take very much for granted as being your decided inferiors? This
is how you can tell. Do you ever think or say, when certain
people criticize what you do "Who does he think he is"? You
are despising a person like that and thinking very much better
of yourself; that is pride. Be careful of it; it is an ugly trait and
destroys that resemblance to your Mother you wanted so much.

Slogan: Said the old Quaker to his wife:

"And all the world's a little queer,
But thee and me, dear,
And even thee's a little queer."

J ANUAR Y

hn. 4. ST. TITUS, Bishop

St. Titus, the well-beloved disciple of St. Paul endured the
futiKues of numerous and distant voyages on land and sea to
bring the Gospel to different nations. Despite hardship and labor,
DO lived to be 94.

The harvest indeed is great but the laborers are few; pray ye
therefore the Lord of the harvest that He send laborers into His
harvest. — Gospel: St. Luke x.

Keep thyself as a pilgrim and a stranger upon earth, that hath
DO concern with the business of the world. Keep thy heart free
ind lifted up to God, for thou hast not here a lasting city —
Imitation: Book I.

Ideal: You probably know very little about St. Titus. But he
must have been a very fine man for he was one of the most
intimate friends of St. Paul. That says it all, does it not?

Today: When people see boys and girls associate with you, are
they inclined, perhaps, to say "So-and-so can't be worth much
U lie goes with that person"? The thing, of course, that really
matters is this: What kind of companion are you for yourself?
You know what Shakespeare says: "To thine own self be true;
[hen it must follow as the night the day: thou canst not then
lw false to any man."

Slogan: Going much with wolves soon teaches one how to howl.
.I«... 5. ST. SIMON STYLITES

\ sermon on the eight beatitudes awakened in St. Simon a
•lj «rc for evangelical perfection. He mortified his body in an
• most superhuman manner. He spent 37 years on the top of a
pillar, exposed to heat and cold, day and night, adoring the
majesty of God.

Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord: or who shall
Itand in His holy place? — Prime: Psalm xxin.

Study, therefore, so to live now, that in the hour of death
ili.ui mayest be able rather to rejoice than to fear. Learn how
'■; die to the world, that then thou mayest begin to live with
i hrlat. — Imitation; Book I.

4 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Ideal: When you read the peculiar method of penance this saint
chose, were you inclined to smile and think him just a bit queer?
Will you take the time to think today of how ever so much
more foolish are the things we do to satisfy the world? Think of
now people have their eyebrows plucked, for instance.

Today; Public penance is very well for saints, but for us who
are still only beginners, it is much safer to practice interior
penances that no one sees but God. If you are in the habit
oi stopping for a drink each time you pass the fountain, don't
do it just this one day.

Slogan: Be a fool, then, for Christ's sake.
Jan. 6. THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD

The word "Epiphany" means "manifestation." As at Christmas-
time it is the mystery of a God Who makes Himself visible, but

li V 10 ., ger onIy t0 the J ews that He sh <>ws Himself, but to
the Gentiles. '

And behold the star, which they had seen in the East, went
before them until it came and stood over where the Child was.
And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
And entering into the house, they found the Child with Mary
His Mother and failing down they adored Him. And opening their
treasures they offered Him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
— Gospel: St. Matthew n.

For thus also Thy saints, O Lord, who now exult with Thee
in the kingdom of heaven, during life awaited in faith and much
patience the coming of Thy glory. What they believed, I believe ;
what they hoped, I hope for; and whither they are arrived, I
J US 1 «?* l aIso ' trough Thy grace shall arrive. — Imitation;

DOOR IV.

Ideal: Had you lived at the time of the appearance of the
wonderful star, you would not have hesitated one minute, would
you? You would probably have left your work or play at once
to travel a thousand miles to see the Infant Christ.

Today: Just across the way, perhaps a few blocks from your
own home, perhaps on your way to school, lives the same, the
very same, Little Christ; and He sends you a star every day
by way of an inspiration to come in, for He has something for
you. And you?

Slogan: I rejoiced at the things that were said to me, we shall
go into the house of the Lord.

JANUARY 5

Jan. 7. ST. LUCIAN, Martyr

AS T » P™»* who devoted his time to charitable

IMh™ I S . tUdy ° f th l Sacred S^iP^^s. In this latter
r*L i dd ™ uch , t0 . Prepare the way for St. Jerome, who gave
US the Latin translation of the Bible called the "Vulgate » He
d.ed in prison, happy that he was able to give his life as a
small measure of return for the priceless gift of faith.

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for, when he
is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which God hath
promised to them that love Him.— Lauds.

He labored abundantly for the edification of others, as much
w by in Him, and as much as He could; but He could not prevent
IZk IlT 5 JUdgCd and dCSpiSed by others. -Imitation:

Ideal: Nobody knows that St. Lucian did much toward in-
spiring bt. Jerome for the great work of translating the Bible;

credit aTonT ' *' St ' Jer0me " ^nerally given that

Today: Does it make any difference to you if someone else
iicts the credit for the fine things you have done, or that you
have made possible? Try to be satisfied that God knows; and,
"■ally, when you go about asking for honors and attention
ptople despise even the actual good you have done. Have you
"sliced that? '

Slogan: Not to us, O Lord, but to Thy Name be glory.
J-n. 8. ST. APPOLINARIS, The Apolojht

Very little is known about this saint except such things as may
i.r earned from his writings and those of his contemporaries. One
»i his best works is his apology for the Christian religion.

ye priests of the Lord, bless the Lord; O ye holy and humble
U heart, praise God. — Introit : Daniel III.

I'll i ou wilt never be interior and devout unless thou pass over

tSSSS: °Bool /T D ' S affakS ' aDd l0 ° k eSPedaUy t0 thysdf -

Ideal: He wrote a book in defense of the Church, that is all.

I r Z i dlSmiSS u/t th °» ght of ? e saint from our mind when
i i.r day is over. Why? Because the world does not acclaim him

6 CHARACTER CALENDAR

loudly. But that is no indication of true greatness; there was a
time when Christ said to this saint: "Well done, thou good and
faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of the Lord."

Today: Keep impressing your own mind day by day with the
thought that nothing counts but God's approval.

Slogan: Naught, but Thyself, O Lord, naught but Thyself,

Jan. 9. SS. JULIAN AND BASILISSA, Martyrs

This saintly married couple converted their beautiful home into
a hospital. They assisted personally in serving the sick* St. Basi-
lissa died a natural death; St. Julian was martyred.

Thy saints shall flourish like the lily, O Lord, and be as the
odor of balsam before Thee. — Gradual.

pleasant and delightful service of God, which maketh a man
truly free and holy. — Imitation; Book III*

Ideal: When we think of saints, we ordinarily think of them
as bishops or religious, at least as people who spent much time
in prayer. These two saints were husband and wife who lived each
day as perfectly as possible.

Today: Saints are people who spend the whole day in prayer.
You must do the same. How? Make the intention each morning
to do all that day for the greater honor and glory of God; make
the Sacred Heart League intention. Of course, see to it that your
work during the day is at least not a disgrace to be offered to God.

Slogan: All for the greater honor and glory of God.

Jan. 10. ST. WILLIAM, Archbishop

St. William reluctantly accepted the dignity of archbishop. As
archbishop he redoubled his austerities saying that now he had
to do penance for others as well as for himself. He always wore
a hair shirt under his religious habit.

1 have laid help upon one that is mighty, and have exalted
one chosen out of My people; for My hand shall help him. —
Matins: Fifth Responsory.

For the just man will not be troubled, whatever happeneth to
him from God. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: How do you accept honors and compliments? Do you
feel deep down inside that, well, it is coming to you? What if

JANUARY 7

people outside knew you as God Who sees your innermost con-
science knows you, do you suppose they would ever walk on the
same side of the street with you?

Today: You thought while you read the above "I don't think
am any worse than the rest of them, and, anyway, I wouldn't
think of doing some of the things I have seen others do." That
is pnde; you are exalting yourself and despising others.

Slogan: He that exalteth himself shall be humbled.
Jun. 11. ST. THEODOSIUS

The long life of this holy man was filled with self-sacrificing
Charity for others. The poor, the sick, the unfortunate, found in
lum a constant friend. Those who were associated with him felt
i hat he walked in the presence of God.

This the people saw and understood it not, neither laid they
this up m their minds, that the grace of God and His mercy are
with His saints, and that He hath respect unto His chosen.—
Matins: Second Lesson.

By day they labored, and much of the night they spent in
prayer; though while they labored, they were far from leaving
off mental prayer. — Imitation: Book L

[i C< ii Y ? u **?* St Pau, ' s ,oveIv e P istle on charity, do you
not? That has reference particularly to love of God, but we are
KOld too 'He that saith he loves God and loveth not his fellow
"Hii is a liar."

Today: Do your friends readily turn to you for kindness?
Do you readily "sponge" on others, or are you considerate of
Hi«- feelings of others even if you yourself are often imposed
upon ? r

Slogan: Whatever you do unto the least of these, My brethren,
POU do unto Me.

Jun. 12. ST. AELRED, Abbot

St. Aelred left the royal court of Scotland to follow the call of
<•"<! in the monastic life.

He entered the severe Cistercian Order. Throughout his life his
Maociates found in him a sympathetic friend. His special devotion
win the Passion of Christ.

Ileloved of God and men, whose memory is in benediction. He

8 CHARACTER CALENDAR

made him like the saints in glory, and magnified him in the fear
of his enemies, and with his words he made prodigies to cease —
Epistle; Book of Wisdom.

In like manner, do not be inquisitive or dispute concerning the
merits of the saints: who is more holy than another, or who
greater in the kingdom of heaven. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: This saint left an earthly court for the immediate
service of his King; became a member of the imperial bodyguard,
as it were.

Today: Make a special visit or two to the church today ; when
you go in, tell our Lord you have come in to do sentinel duty
before His tent. Try to assure Him that you are honored — as
indeed you are — to be allowed to stand before Him.

Slogan: I have chosen to be an abject in the courts of my God,
rather than to dwell among thousands.

Jan. 13. ST. VERONICA OF MILAN

When St. Veronica became concerned about her lack of edu-
cation, the Blessed Virgin appeared to her and taught her three
lessons: Purity of intention, abhorrence of murmuring or criticism,
daily meditation on the Passion. Through practice she learned
these lessons and became a saint.

Who would deny that this is a life which hath come down
from heaven, seeing it is a life whereof it is not easy to find an
example before God came down to dwell in a body of clay.—
Second Nocturn; Sixth Lesson.

I am accustomed to visit My elect in two manners of ways;
namely, by trial and by consolation. And I daily read to them
two lessons: One to rebuke their vices, and the other to exhort
them to the increase of virtue. — Imitation; Book III.

Ideal: You notice that one of the three lessons taught this
saint by our Lady herself was abhorrence of criticism.

Today: When you are about to say something unkind of any-
body, will you remember that you are on the verge of injuring
the reputation of one of our Lord's friends? Besides, to say an
unkind thing about another proves you a coward of the deepest
dye. You are afraid to say this thing to the person concerned and
you are not big enough to control an instrument not three inches
long.

Slogan: With my little bow and arrow, I killed Cock Robin.

JANUARY

Jan. 14. ST. HILARY, Bishop

St. Hilary was an intrepid defender of the divinity of Christ
Because of his uncompromising stand on the side of truth he
was banished from France. During the time of his exile he

K, ? ml?t-*f ara /J^ rka °? V he BIessed Trmit y which earned

lor him the title of "Doctor of the Church "

to Novcna for the Feast of the Espousals of Our Lady begins

Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but
Upon a candlestick that it may shine to all that are in the house
*o let your light shine before men, that they may see your good
works and glorify your Father Who is in heaven. — Gospel: St
Matthew v.

He to whom I speak will quickly be wise and will profit
Krcatly m spirit. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: When this man was banished from France, he wasted
BO time pitying himself, as you notice. He went right at some-
Uung else.

Today: Learn to make the best of things. There are certain
experiences that you must live through, anyway; you might as
well gain merit by being resigned to God's will. Then, nothing
ever happens that does not suit you.

Slogan: Not my will, but Thine be done.

I«n. 15. ST. PAUL, The First Hermit

This saint was very rich and highly educated. During the perse-
• hi. on of Christians he went to the desert trusting that Divine
I evidence would supply his temporal needs. His confidence was
'"" , mis P I f e d- He lived to be 90 years old, subsisting on the
•linple diet of food to be found on an oasis. He spent his time
H penance and prayer.

The just shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow up
I kr the cedar of Libanus; planted in the house of the Lord, in
•lie courts of the house of God. — Introit : Psalm xci.

if? 1 !' i? W ^eat is the abundance of Thy sweetness, O Lord,
Mich Thou hast hidden for those that fear! But what art Thou
lj» those that love Thee? What to those that love Thee with
their whole heart? — Imitation: Book III.

10 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Ideal: An example of the kind of man of whom the world
says "He buried all his talent becoming a monk," this said St.
Paul arrived at sanctity in the directly opposite manner to his
namesake, the Apostle of the Gentiles.

Today: Different people have different natures, different dis-
positions, that is; but each person has the correct disposition for
sanctity; all that is necessary is for the individual to use what
gifts he has in doing his several duties well, one at a time.

Slogan: Be ye perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.

Jan. 16. ST. MARCELLUS, Pope and Martyr

St. Marcellus reigned during the troublesome days of the perse-
cution of the Christians by Maxentius. For nine months this Pope
was in the power of the tyrant who ill-treated him and made
him do the work of slaves. Rescued by the Christians and kept
in concealment for some time, he was again seized and put to
a lingering death.

The enemy shall have no advantage over him, nor the son
of iniquity have power to hurt him. — Gradual.

It is a great honor, a great glory, to serve Thee, and to
despise all things for Thee. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: Get a copy of the life of this saint today and read it;
you will find it interesting to note in what peculiar fashion he
earned his Heavenly crown, though he had been a Pope.

Today: A few days ago, you were given as slogan to "Be a
fool for Christ's sake." This saint was. Shakespeare told us that
we mortals are fools. all, and we know it anyway, so let us be
Christ's fools, and do our daily "stunts" for Him; He pays us
with heaven for our service, regardless of our awkwardness, if
only we have wanted to do well, and tried to.

Slogan: Take my heart, Lord; who but You would want it,
knowing it as You do? — Mother Loyola's Communion Prayer,

Jan. 17. ST. ANTHONY, Patriarch of Monks

Hearing at Mass the words, "If thou wilt be perfect, go, sell
what thou hast, and give to the poor," this saint gave away his
vast possessions and retired to the desert where he lived on bread
and water. The devil attacked him in visible form. The saint
defied him with the words: "I fear you not; you cannot separate
me from the love of Christ."

JANUARY 11

He was excelled by none in watchfulness and self-restraint. He
lUipassed all in long suffering, meekness, tenderness, lowliness,
perseverance, and continual study of the Holy Scriptures.—
Stcond Nocturn: Fifth Lesson.

Look upon the lively examples of the Holy Fathers, in whom
P£ ne 1 .™ al pwfect'on and the religious life, and thou wilt see
BOW little it is and almost nothing that we do. — Imitation:
Hook I,

£? f •(. I u-° r u er t0 eScape from the dan gers of the world, this
•Mint left his home and went to live in the desert. When the
ttevH tried to tempt him to sin, he kept close to God in prayer,
"...I knew the devil could not harm him so long as he remained
n friend of God.

T°day: You have heard littie boys boast "I ain't scared of

,,ln and yo" have smiled at their foolishness. If you heard

» person say "I'm not afraid of smallpox nor of leprosy: I can
K» anywhere," you would know that person to be crazy. Since
"'ir soul is so much more important than the body, does it not
Mm worth while to try to escape the devil?

Slogan: Fly from evil!

J-n. 18. ST. PETER'S CHAIR AT ROME

In making Rome mistress of the world, Divine Providence was

I'irpnnng all things for the spread of Christianity. St. Peter saw

Mm ine capital of the world's empire was a strategic point from

mien might radiate the beneficent influence of the Gospel It

wu» at Rome, therefore, that he established his pontifical chair.

Thou art the Shepherd of the sheep, and the Prince of the
Apostles, and unto thee hath God given all the kingdoms of the
World. Therefore unto thee hath He given the keys of the king-
dom of heaven. — Third Responsory.

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation, saith the
I ""<!. — Imitation: Book III.

Tpday, too, we begin the Unity Octave. If you appreciate your
'■'Hi, pray for those who have not this gift.

Ideal: Perhaps you know people who can trace the descent of

Hirlr family back through several hundred years, and can boast

ii rat women and men who are their ancestors. What are a

hundred years, and a few great mortals in the ancestral

1 ' As a Catholic, you may boast of a family that goes back

12 CHARACTER CALENDAR

XrfJ^ST u d t T. "S? . numbers countless men and women
Saints, and best of all, Christ Himself as head of the family.

,h™tTf Say - thf L Cr « d , t0 i* y , just M ^voutly as you can and
tt? J& f ?"& "S "°L y °° d at ""«*>* in thanksgiving for
the gift of faith. Tonight, in your night prayers say an Our
Father with special attention to "Thy kingdom come."

Slogan: Thy kingdom come !

Jan. 19. ST. CANUTE, Kin* and Martyr

St. Canute administered justice and enacted laws without re-
r,nL KM T ° th . e , virtues w hich constitute a great king,
S^ffftSfS ^ 0Se , whl ch Prove the great saint. He met death
at the foot of the altar while kneeling in prayer.

hnSiHt W ^° io J t he ■*!? of ^ Church, didst vouchsafe to
honor the blessed King Canute, by bestowing upon him the
crown of martyrdom, and by the working of mighty miracles
grant, we beseech Thee that, walking in his footsteps, we may evlr

SE^j^afcS* and thereby deserve to ente? tat °

sun w ? -/ss^s r where that can kst iong under the

thi™ *f ' j*" the c u ourtiers tried to flatter this king, he put

history a manDer y ° U haVC fead fa Eng, ' sh

TWoy; Watch yourself today to see if ever you say things

SfiLTirS merdy fc draW ° Ut compliments S your

rSrsttss&SBgr to othera either - is

•iSSifflftJt' two - edged sword - wounds him *■*

Jan. 20. ST. SEBASTIAN

This saint was one of the best officers in the Roman army.
He was an intrepid fighter and a stranger to fear. By wordTnd
particu arly by example he brought many to the faith. Called to
account for his conduct and condemned to be shot to death by
archers, he faced death unflinchingly. Left for dead by the

SSttLT?*"*?* fe^ * L ° health by the Christians. He was
later beaten to death with clubs.

JANUARY 13

•S^-SSL!" Hls ■*"■• wonderfuI in ■»*"■* doin *

i£sL^BJS?ia ?. nd water before th ° u — to

, J™ °?m 5 nat " r . alI y attracted to a man who has physical

r„T „ a n Ie V C ab, I lty ' J and With ail that is ^so a splendid
i pc of gallant manhood. Of such kind was St. Sebastian, the
kind of saint you would like, and could not help it.

/Way: if y 0U have not aIread d
blola and read it today. Watch for an opportunity to see the
photoplay. If you think you have a great deal of courage see
II you can say "no" when you should courage, see

*£?*"*' Be " er " he that mIeth himseIf than he that taketh
l«n. 21. ST. AGNES, Virgin and Martyr

UtvL^Z* 5 °J ly tW ^ 1Ve yearS 0ld when she was told to offer
'-■rise to the gods or he prepared to die. Many of those who

W Wed the torture of this mere child were moved to tern

tSatSJ^Sl**? Was u passed - she st °°d erect for a momSt
In prayer, and then bowed her neck to the sword.

Let us keep with joy and gladness, the feast of this most saintly

he "'thfrSnrt? mm S thC h0 ' y passion ° f the blessed A ^-
r h™f t yC ? r S i" e c ° n ^ uered losin S death and finding

ss^isr y Giver ° £ yfe — *&

.l„!ll nJt 0l f Pa a r™^L Sh T° U,d ? taDd t ?P, ther a ^ a!nst me , ™y heart
ritS: f i" oft T J?/ LOrd * " y Hdper > and ^ Redeemer. -

Wr«/: This lovely young saint, beautiful, wealthy, withstood
Ihe attacks of the judges who thought to win her over bVthraS.
(Uttery. When offered a wealthy young prina in ma«S«
I Agnes responded with her beautiful Bridal Hymn "He ha
placed a seal upon my countenance," etc.

[Way: Choose St. Agnes for your patroness today. The Church
i » assigned her especially as an ideal for youth Pray to her
Mr Icularly for the grace of keeping your soul looking hke you
Homers as closely as possible.

ihgon: Keep my soul like thine, my Mother.

14 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Jan. 22. SS. VINCENT AND ANASTASIUS

Both of these saints suffered the most excruciating pains rather
than deny their faith. After St. Vincent had been tortured he
was put into prison where the angels consoled him and told him
his end was near.

Come ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom! I will
render unto you a reward of your labors. — Eighth Responsory.

Here, therefore, men are tried, as gold is in the furnace. —
Imitation: Book I.

Ideal: This saint was roasted to death. You can scarcely
imagine a death like that. Perhaps you sometimes think you
are making a very great sacrifice for your faith when you rise
for an early Mass or walk several blocks through deep snow
and a cold wind. Balance your spirit of sacrifice with that of
St. Vincent.

Today; Sacrifice is measured by love. Do you love God suffi-
ciently to control an uncharitable tongue today? You will know
tonight.

Slogan: Thou hast made our hearts for Thee, O Lord.

Jan. 23. ESPOUSAL OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

On this day the Blessed Virgin was betrothed to St. Joseph.

Let us keep right earnestly the Bridal-Feast of the Most Blessed
Virgin Mary. The same is she whose lowliness the Lord regarded,
she who by the message of an angel conceived the Savior of
the world. — Third Responsory.

I am the Lover of purity and the Giver of all sanctity.—
Imitation: Book IV.

Ideal: Look up a picture of the espousal by the great Italian
artist, Raphael. If you are interested to know why one of the
young men on the side is breaking his staff, read the legend of
the Blooming Rods.

Today: In our day of so many unhappy homes, we do well
to pray to St. Joseph for a blessing on our own home and on
the homes of those we love.

Slogan; Joseph was a just man.

JANUARY 15

W 24. ST. TIMOTHY, Bishop, Martyr

St. Timothy was a friend and disciple of St. Paul. He was a
dose companion and fellow worker with St. Paul on many of
Hir latter's missionary travels. As Bishop of Ephesus he received
I wo letters from St. Paul which bear his name. He was stoned
10 death. Novena for the Feast of the Purification begins today.

Follow after justice, godliness, faith, charity, patience, mildness.
right the good fight of faith; lay hold on eternal life, whereunto
thou art called, and hast confessed a good confession before many
M ■itnesses. — Epistle of St. Paul to Timothy, vi.

in Me the love of thy friend ought to stand; and for Me is
hr to be loved whoever he be, that appeareth to thee good and
much to be loved in this life. — Imitation:' Book III.

Ideal: St. Paul called him "my beloved son Timothy." Have
vuit ever read Paul, Hero and Saint? Read it today, if you
want the story of two real live heroes.

Today: The main reason for the success of men like today's
«*lnt was their willingness to work regardless of whether they
101 a great deal of attention from men or not. Will you try to
Impress it ever so deeply on your own mind that the only worth-
while regard is that of God?

Slogan: Write it on your heart that God's love only is worth
Mrlving after.

l*n. 25. THE CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL

It. Paul was born at Tarsus. While on his way to Damascus to
prnccute the Christians, a light from heaven suddenly shone
mound him that struck him to earth. He heard a voice saying-
Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?" And he said: "Who
-'I Thou, Lord?" And the Lord said: "I am Jesus Whom thou
|* nwcutest; it is hard for thee to kick against the goad."

Lead us, great teacher, Paul, in wisdom's ways,
And lift our hearts with thine to Heaven's high throne:
Till faith beholds the clear meridian blaze,
And, sunlike, in the soul reigns charity alone.

— First Vespers, Hymn.

<:ive all for all; seek nothing, call for nothing back; stand
purely and with a full confidence before Me, and thou shalt
poMcss Me. — Imitation: Book III.

16 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Ideal: And conversion it was. What wilt thou have me to do?
was the submissive question of the man under his horse's feet.
How do you act when you are met with some sudden affliction?
Do you ever permit yourself the thought "What have I done that
I should be so afflicted?" Ought we not rather to wonder that
things go so well with us when we are so altogether un-
deserving ?

Today: Ask St. Paul today to obtain for you what we all
need and for which we so seldom ask, common sense.

Slogan: What wouldst thou have me do?

Jan. 26. ST. POLYCARP, Bishop, Martyr

St. Polycarp was a disciple of St. John. After a long life devoted
to God and His Church, he was arraigned before the proconsul
and ordered to curse Christ and go free. Polycarp answered:
"Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He never did me
wrong; how can I blaspheme my King and my Savior." At the
stake he thanked God for letting him drink of Christ's chalice.

Whosoever shall confess Me before men, him will I also confess
before My Father. — Lands: First Antiphon.

Then is he weary of longer life; and wisheth death to come,
that he may be dissolved, and be with Christ. — Imitation:
Book /.

Ideal: At the age of 86 this dear saint was burned to death
in the amphitheater for his faith. The deeds we consider so very
heroic in our own life dwindle away when we think of what some
real heroes have done.

Today: You may never be called on to give up your life in
martyrdom, but you are asked daily to endure little inconveniences
patiently. Get into the habit of believing that everything that
happens is a special gift of God meant to advance your sanctity.

Slogan: Every hour comes with some little fagot of God's
will fastened upon its back.

Jan. 27. ST. JOHN GHRYSOSTOM

On account of the golden stream of his eloquence, this saint is
called by the Greeks, "the golden-mouthed." He was a lawyer
and a man of the world of much eminence, before he turned his
great intellect and wonderful industry to the study of things

JANUARY 17

mt red He died in exile with the words on his lips: "Glory be to
'•od for all this.

Let those that put their trust in Thee, rejoice: Let them ever
Ihout tor joy, because Thou dwellest in them: Let them also
hat love Thy name be joyful in Thee. For Thou wilt bless the
iiKiitcous. — Matins, Psalm v.

Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth. I am Thy servant: give
inc understanding, that I may know Thy testimonies. Incline my
hrnrt to the words of Thy mouth; let Thy speech distill as
(ho dew. — Imitation: Book HI.

Ideal; Chrysostom means golden-mouthed. He received his
n ..neon account of his lofty eloquence. He spoke "in season and
mil of season" for the furtherance of God's glory. Have you ever
Wondered what title would best suit your tongue?

/Way; If you have ever made a retreat, you know how easy
II I* to be good when you do not speak. St. James, as you know,
•-mi that he that offends not with his tongue is a perfect man.
v. itch yourself for one day and keep account how many times
POU fail in the proper use of your tongue.

Slogan; But the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.
fin. 28. ST. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA

HI. Cyril was a formidable opponent of the heresiarch Nestorius,
'-denied that the Blessed Virgin was the Mother of God.
Lynl suffered much but in the end truth triumphed and St
' viil received the honor due him.

May Thy saints, we beseech Thee, Lord, everywhere rejoice
Hi that while we recall their merits, we may feel their patronage.

tod if thou arrive at an entire contempt of thyself, know that
Him , thou shalt enjoy an abundance of peace, as much as is
poulble in this thy earthly sojourn. — Imitation; Book III.

U$al: One would say that this saint had notions of his own;
•mi he did and he stood by them. But when he was told by the
Hiily See to relent from his severity with the heretics, he obeyed
hi i mre.

Today: Have convictions! Do things because you think they

rlRht, but be willing to change your methods of procedure

rlwn those who should know tell you to do so. Think this over

18 CHARACTER CALENDAR

today: how many of the things you do by daily routine are
done because they are right?

Slogan: Know you're right; then go ahead; but — know you're
right.

Jan. 29. ST. FRANCIS OF SALES

This saint took the degree of Doctor of Laws, both Civil and
Ecclesiastical, at Padua, with much distinction. Though by nature
hot-tempered, he became the gentlest of saints. By meekness and
kindness he converted 72,000 Calvinlsts. "You can catch more
flies," St. Francis used to say, "with a spoonful of honey than
with a hundred barrels of vinegar."

God Who, in order that souls might be saved, didst will that
blessed Francis should become all things to all men; fill our
hearts, we beseech Thee, with that charity which is sweet; so that,
guided by his teaching, and having part in his merits, we may
attain unto everlasting happiness. — Collect.

He that hath true and perfect charity seeketh himself in
nothing, but only desireth God to be glorified in all things. —
Imitation: Book I.

Ideal: This hot-tempered man gained such control of himself
that even intentional provocation could not disturb his serenity.
He labored among the most stubborn of Calvinists and converted
70,000 of them winning them over by his unperturbable meekness.

Today: Do you find it hard to keep cool? St. Francis proves
what can be done. Keep a record that only you shall see of how
many times you are impatient this morning; how many times
this afternoon, and keep that up for a week and see how much
you can improve in that time.

Slogan: Learn of Me for I am meek and humble of heart.

Jan. 30. ST. BATHILDIS, Queen

St. Bathildis was an Englishwoman who was sold as a slave in
France. Her gentle self-forgetfulness made her a favorite. King
Clovis II was attracted by her virtuous life and made her Queen.
This unexpected elevation made no change in her attitude toward
others. The sick and the poor were objects of her tender solicitude.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the
law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household,
and eateth not the bread of idleness. — Matins: Third Lesson.

Without charity, the outward work profiteth nothing ; but what-

JANUARY 19

•Ver is done out of charity, be it ever so little and contemptible,
"i is all made fruitful; inasmuch as God regardeth more out of
BOW much love a man doth a work, than how much he doth. —
imitation: Book I.

Ideal: This lovely saint was taken from her home and made
11 slave. She was so dutiful that her master soon made her the
mistress of his household. She turned this opportunity to wonder-
inl advantage by serving the poor and giving such good example
That she won many to a good life and to Christianity.

Today: You have another example today of one who "made
the best of things." No matter what situation you must meet, no
ttatter how difficult your way, some saint has gone through that
'ml worse; and always you have the example of our Savior Who
■ ndurcd more than all the saints combined. Resolve today to make
»!.«• best of things. You must pass through certain hardships any-
way ; you may as well gain merit in passing.

Strati: Not my will but Thine be done.

'"■». 31. ST. PETER NOLASCO

St. Peter spent all the money he possessed in delivering Chris-
'• mis from captivity. He was one of the cofounders of the Order
•I Our Lady of Mercy.

<> God Who, after the example of Thy charity, didst divinely
l( wch holy Peter to render Thy Church fruitful in a new progeny
i"i the redemption of the faithful; grant through his intercession,
tl.il being loosed from our sins we may enjoy perpetual liberty
In our heavenly country. — Collect.

" I lope in the Lord," saith the Prophet, "and do good, and in-
hftbh the land, and thou shalt be fed with the riches thereof." —
imitation: Book I.

Ideal: This very busy man was asked in a vision by God to
help found a religious order for the ransom of captives. That would
juke a great deal of time, but he managed it very nicely, chiefly
because he loved God so much that he didn't feel he was working
i Ira at all.

Today: Do you ever say, when asked to do a kindness "Well,
">lly if I had time," etc.? Think of your fellow men as "other
1 hrtats" when they ask you a favor and you will scarcely refuse
'i.. in anything within the bounds of right principle.

Slogan: Whatever you have done to the least of these My
biiihrcn you have done unto Me.

FEBRUARY

Feb. 1. ST. IGNATIUS, Bishop, Martyr

St. Ignatius was a disciple of St. John. Given his choice be-
tween apostasy or death, he chose the latter, rejoicing in the fact
that he was soon to merit the martyrs' crown. He was devoured
by wild beasts in the Roman amphitheater.

I am the wheat of Christ; may I be ground by the teeth of
beasts, that I may be found pure bread. — Communion.

Learn to suffer in little things now, that then thou mayst be
delivered from more grievous sufferings. — Imitation, Book I.

Ideal: Tradition says that this saint was the little child whom
our Lord set in the midst of the Apostles the time He said "Un-
less you become as this little child, you shall not enter the king-
dom of heaven."

Today: We often think we would be martyrs, too, for Christ.
How much inconvenience can we endure for Him without com-
plaint? The weather is too cold, the teachers are too cross, our
parents are too strict, etc. And we think we could have wild
animals eating us while still alive. Today, we will not complain
that we froze an ear last winter and now have chilblains, etc.

Slogan: It is easy to give advice from a safe port. — Schiller.

Feb. 2. THE PURIFICATION OF THE BLESSED
VIRGIN MARY I

The Blessed Virgin, wishing to obey the Mosaic law, had to
go to Jerusalem forty days after the birth of Jesus to offer the
prescribed sacrifice. Mothers were to offer a lamb, or if their
means did not allow, two doves or pigeons. She took with her the

20

FEBRUARY 21

Infant Jesus. The Candlemas procession recalls the journey of
Mary and Joseph to the temple.
Novena for the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes begins today.

This day the Blessed Virgin Mary presented the Child Jesus in
i he temple; and Simeon, filled with the Holy Ghost, took Him
up in arms, and blessed God forever and ever. — Antiphon at the
Magnificat.

Oh, when shall it be fully granted me to be free, and to see
DOW sweet Thou art, O Lord my God !— Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: At the moment in which the holy man Simeon pro-
n-.unced the prophecy "set for the fall and rise of many" did the
Utile Heart of the Savior suffer a pang at thought of you or did
H beat faster with delight?

Today: Our dear Lady's suffering was accentuated today at

Mir expectation of the "sword that should pierce" her heart It

is our fault. We must be so certainly her faithful children to-

i .v that we assure her such intense anguish has not been in vain.

Slogan: This child is sent for the fall and for the rise of many

in Israel. •*

I'.b. 3. ST. BLAISE, Bishop and Martyr

St. Blaise, in his earlier years, was a noted physician. In the

I f lc * °j med | cine he ^w so much of the miseries of life that

" .leaded to devote himself to the healing of souls as well as
ImmIIcs One time a distracted mother whose child was dying,
ihokcd by a bone which had stuck in his throat, begged the

Hi! !vainT terCeSS10n * ThG ChUd WaS reHeVed by the pr ^ ers of

I his is the priest whom the Lord hath crowned. — Gradual.

I. now for certain that thou must lead a dying life; and the
Mi'iir a man dietfa to himself, the more doth he begin to live
» God.— Imitation: Book II.

I ??w\ Y0U V* S0 f 1 amiliar ^ ** s P ecial ceremony of this
l»v that you know the story of St. Blaise very well. He is a

n a ^ in t st leases f the throat. Has it occurred to you

Hiw very holy a thing your throat is, through which has passed
ten the most holy Body of Christ?

Today: You would be shocked and pained beyond endurance
Would the garbage man dump his load in your church. Why?

22 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Because the church is God's dwelling place. What of your body,
your tongue, your throat? Resolve today that never will any
language defile your mouth that would not pass in favor in the
hearing of Christ,

Slogan: Place Thyself as a seal upon my lips !

Feb. 4, ST, ANDREW CORSINI

Born at Florence, St. Andrew was consecrated to the Blessed
Virgin from his birth. In his youth this saint led a rather dis-
solute life but through the prayers of his mother and the grace
of God he saw the folly of his ways and became a Carmelite.

Grant then that we, gracious God,

May follow in the steps he trod;

And freed from ev'ry stain of sin,

As he hath won, may also win. — Lauds; Hymn.

So that -when we have read and searched all, let this be the
final conclusion, that "through many tribulations we must enter
the kingdom of God."

Ideal: Like so many of the saints, St. Andrew owes his sanctity
after God to his mother, who prayed for him without ceasing till
he was converted from his careless life.

Today: One of the easiest things in the world to do is to say
pretty things about mother or to wear a carnation on her day
or to bring her a gift bought with her money from time to time.
Today, resolve to live so that your very life may be a gift ol
thanks to your mother.

Slogan: It is easier to say than to do.

Feb. 5. ST. AGATHA, Virgin and Martyr

In the midst of dangers and temptations St. Agatha served
Christ in purity of body and soul, and she died for the love of j
chastity. To this day Christ has shown His tender regard ion
the body of this virgin. Her body is still incorrupt. On several
occasions her veil saved the people of Catania during an eruption
of Mt. Etna.

But the foolish things of the world hath God chosen, that He
may confound the wise, and the weak things of the world ha(h|
God chosen, that He may confound the strong. — Epistle: St\
Paul to the Corinthians.

.11

. 1 1

FEBRUARY 23

fci h ■*"& great Wh ° hath great charit y- He is tru 'y g re at who
l« little in his own eyes, and counteth for nothing all the heights
■•I honor. — Imitation: Book I. 6

Ideal: This lovely young girl gave her life rather than sully a
"Jul she had tried to keep very pure and closely like our Lady's.
Virtue S ' S a patroness of y° uth f °r ^e preservation of

■Jtaftk/Jl* \° t St A , g3tha ^y f0r coura e e and Prudence
NNuinst the temptations that are bound to come to you on your

• ay through life that you may bring your soul to God's judg-
mont seat as pure and undented as hers.

Slogan: Blessed are the clean of heart for they shall see God.
Plb. 6. ST. DOROTHY, Virgin and Martyr

Because St. Dorothy preferred death to sacrificing to the gods
lit was condemned to torture and death. On the way to execu-
•<" a lawyer asked her to send him apples and roses from the
Men of her Spouse. The saint promised to do so. Shortly before
. death a child stood by his side bearing three apples and three
■ n. The lawyer became a convert and died for his faith.

< -ome Bride of Christ, and take the everlasting crown which the
I <•'•! hath prepared for thee. — Vespers: Antiphon.

<!ive me courage to resist, patience to endure, and constancy
'" ix-rsevere. — Imitation: Book III. '

tdeal: Like St. Agatha whose feast we had yesterday, St. Dor-
liv died a martyr for her faith and virtue.

, W"?/ In j the Catho J ic Encyclopedia you will find an account
Mm- life and martyrdom of this charming saint. Read it today
""I vou might, if you are eager to do good to your fellow men,
• ' io 6«ve a report on your reading at the general assembly.
Slogan: Blessed be God in His Angels and in His saints.

I -I.. 7. ST. ROMUALD, Abbot

It Komuald entered a monastery to do penance for a murder

• lather had committed. He became a monk and founded the
iiuler of Camaldolese.

,„!';;;' ,ri d n iracle5 by bim b ? th durin 8 ^ life and after
" th > and 1'kewise gave him the gift of prophecy. Like the

24 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Patriarch Jacob, he saw a ladder reaching from earth to heaven,
and men in white garments ascending and descending upon it, in
whom he marvelously knew were represented the monks of the
Camaldolese Institute, of which he was the founder. — Matins:

Sixth Lesson.

From a pure heart proceedeth the fruit of a good life. — Imita-
tion: Book III.

Ideal: Doing penance for a crime his father committed was
largely responsible for making this saint very holy.

Today: If you have not already adopted the practice, do so by
offering or asking our Lady to offer the Precious Blood of her
Son to the Heavenly Father that one mortal sin may be pre-
vented this night. Do that each evening.

Slogan: He that shall convert one sinner from his evil way,
shall save his own soul from death.

Feb. 8. ST. JOHN OF MATHA

At St. John's first Mass an angel appeared, dressed in white,
with a red and blue cross on his breast, and his hands reposing
on the heads of a Christian and a Moorish captive. In company
with St. Felix of Valois, he founded the Order of the Holy
Trinity for the rescue of captives.

m Those that he planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish
in the courts of the house of our God.

Son, thou oughtst not be turned back, nor presently cast down,
when thou hearest what is the way of the perfect; but be drawn
the more onwards toward its lofty heights, or at least aspire
ardently for their attainment. — Imitation; Book III.

Ideal: By a vision God called this saint to the service and
salvation of Christian captives. Through an angel, he was asked
to take up this work. God calls you to the same service, not as
extensively as St. John, of course, but He calls you just the same
through this Bulletin.

Today: If there is not existing an organization to aid the Mis-
sions at your school, perhaps you could do something by way
of asking to have one organized. While waiting for developments,
look up in America the name of a destitute mission and send
them something that means personal sacrifice to you and an
advantage to them.

FEBRU AR Y 25

JSZwSft S e 4 aked: feed the hungry; instruct the **■

, ' P ALEXANDRIA LLONIA AN ° THE MARTYR 0F

St. Apollonia was arrested during a persecution of Christians.

W 1 2 w' n K g H teetl \ tori \ ° ut > she was burned at the stake.
While her body was reduced to ashes, her soul was borne into
ui'iry oi heaven.

And Thou hast delivered me, according to the multitude of

l»r mercy of Thy name, from them that sought my life and

from the ages of afflictions which compassed me about: 'from

M - oppression of the flame which surrounded me, and in the

"".1st of the fire I was not burned.— Epistle: Eccles.

Fear God, and thou shalt not be afraid of the terrors of man
imitation? Book ///.

Ideal: Possibly you have had a tooth extracted some time in
mil hfe , anc I you remember the painful sensation. Our saint today

ln 1C h P te l h St 5 U( £, 0Ut ^ a heav y iron hammer ^d forced
do v her throat. We could scarcely endure a thing like that,

burned alfve ' ° r She W3S finalIy martyred b * bein S

Today: People pray to St. Apollonia when they have a tooth-
it I c or are about to have some serious work done on their

•<!.. It is well to remember this. Today, when somebody com-
|> »lns to you that he has a bad headache or a toothache or some
ulhrr ache, sympathize with him and don't say "If you knew
Hio bad headache I had yesterday," etc.

Slogan: An empty barrel makes the most noise.
I'.b. 10. ST. SCHOLASTICA

SI. Scholastica was a twin sister of St. Benedict. She founded
J i iimimimty of women near Monte Casino. One day when St
l-...'d.ct refused to prolong his visit with her, she bowed her

I'Mii'l nof 1 ? 3 !" 3 a terr ' ble St ° rm ar ° Se S ° that St ' Benedict

O God Who didst cause the soul of the blessed Scholastica to

'' heaven ln ^e form of a dove, to show the way of in-

""-rnce, grant us, by her prayer and merits, to live so innocently
UiBl we may deserve to arrive at eternal joys. — Collect

26 CHARACTER CALENDAR

I am accustomed to visit my elect in two manners of ways —
namely, by trial and by consolation. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: When St. Scholastica wrote to her saintly brother, St.
Benedict, that he write out some rule of life for her since she
wished to become a saint, he answered her letter three times in
succession with these words "Will it!"

Today: That seems simple enough: to will to be a saint and
thus to be one. But — if you are on one side of a street and you
will to be on the other, you know what you do, do you not?
You walk over to the other side. Draw your own conclusions.
Pray to St. Scholastica for light to know how she went about
becoming a saint.

Slogan: Whatever you do, do with your might;

Things done by halves are never done right.

Feb. 11. THE APPARITION OF OUR BLESSED LADY
OF LOURDES

From February 11 to July 16, 18S8, the Blessed Virgin came
down eighteen times from heaven and showed herself to Berna-
dette Soubirous in the cave of the rock at Massabiclle. On March
25, she said to the little shepherdess: "I am the Immaculate Con-
ception." The Virgin of Lourdes is clothed in a robe and veil as
white as snow; she wears a blue girdle and on her bare feet rests
a golden rose.

Arise my love, my beautiful one, and come; my dove in the
clefts of the rock, in the hollow places of the wall. — Gradual:
Song of Solomon.

Give Thyself to me and it is enough; for without Thee no
comfort is of any avail. — Imitation: Book IV.

Ideal: Have you ever noticed what very simple unassuming
people Heaven always chooses for great tasks? Note little Berna-
dette Soubirous, for instance. It should prove to you that w'hat
really counts and alone is worth while is that we be pleasing to
God; and the one way to please God is to do one's duty well.

Today: You need no special prompting to do things today to
honor our Lady, not when you are trying each day to pattern
your life as closely as possible after hers.

Slogan: To honor the Mother is to glorify her Son.

FEBRUARY 27

I'cb. 12. THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS OF THE
SERVITE ORDER

From the mouth of little children these saints received the name
DJ "Servants of Mary." Illustrious by their birth, they became
ullll more so by the salutary influence of their order in France,
i irrmany, and Poland.

The just sang to Thy holy Name, O Lord, they praised with
"iir accord Thy victorious hand. For wisdom opened the mouth
dI (he dumb, and made the tongues of infants eloquent. — Introit:
Wisdom x.

The saints that are the highest in the sight of God are the
li mt in their own eyes; and the more glorious they are, the more
humble they are in themselves. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: Don't you think it a beautiful arrangement to have these
holy founders on the day following our Lady's feast? They
founded an order that is devoted to honor Mary especially.

today: Find out something today about the founder of the
Order to which your teachers belong.

Slogan: They that lead many unto justice shall shine as the
•lain of heaven.

P»b. 13. ST. CATHERINE OF RICCI

Al the age of thirteen, St. Catherine entered the Third Order
i St. Dominic. Her special attraction was to the Passion of
I hrtot. She received the sacred stigmata, the wound in the left
*i'|r, and the crown of thorns.

Clod hath chosen her, and forechosen her. He hath made her
t«i dwell in His tabernacle. — Matins: Verse and Answer.

Oh, how wise was that soul that says: My mind is solidly
i i iMishcd in and grounded upon Christ. — Imitation: Book III.

I >l<'a!; St. Catherine received the impression of the Wounds of
II r Savior much as St. Francis of Assisi did.

t oday: Look up some material on Theresa Neumann of the

SN rnt day. The fact that such extraordinary manifestations are
li»K made is evidence that our Lord wishes us to honor His

28 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Passion more than we do. Make your plans now for saying the
Way of the Cross each day during Lent.

Slogan: We adore Thee, O Christ and bless Thee, because by
Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

Feb. 14. ST. VALENTINE

St. Valentine was a holy priest in Rome who brought help and
comfort to the martyrs during the persecution. To abolish the
heathen custom of boys drawing girls' names in honor of their
goddess Februata Juno, several zealous pastors substituted the
names of saints in billets given on this day.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O Almighty God, that we who keep
the birthday of the blessed martyr Valentine may be delivered
by his prayers from all the ills that hang over us. — Collect.

Write, read, sing, lament, keep silence, pray, bear adversities
manfully: eternal life is worth all these, and great combats. —
Imitation; Book III,

Ideal: So much disagreeable nonsense has been attached to
the observance of this day that St. Valentine cannot be honored
by some of it. However, if you can make someone happy or even
make them laugh heartily over a valentine today, that is not out
of place entirely. Be very careful, though, that there be no
possibility of offense.

Today: We send a valentine to those we love. You'll not forget
today, then, to send a little valentine by way of an ejaculation
or an act of mortification to our Lord and another to His Mother
and a little plain one to St. Joseph and a rather elaborate one
to your Guardian Angel. They will probably tell each other about
getting them from you but they'll not be jealous.

Slogan: I love them that love me. (And the saints do.)

Feb. 15. SS. FAUSTINUS AND JOVITA, Martyrs

These saints were brothers, born of a noble family of Brescia.
They were zealous teachers of the Christian religion. Accused of
being Christians they suffered indescribable tortures. Neverthe-
less the great power of their faith made them more than con-
querors, shining even as gold tried in the furnace.

Theirs is a brotherhood indeed, whose tie no storms availed

FEBRUARY 29

to sever: together they followed the Lord in the shedding of
their blood. Together they set at naught the Royal Palace; to-
Itther they attained unto the kingdom of heaven. — Eighth
He.sponsory.

Ought not all painful labors to be endured for everlasting life?
Imitation: Book 111.

Ideal: Accused of being a Christian sounds like accused of
hcing good. In the days of the persecutions, however, it was
criminal to be a Christian ; that is, it was not in compliance
With the law.

Today: You may at some time in your life be in the com-
pany of people who sneer at the idea of abstaining from meat
on Friday, etc. What will you do about it? But you cannot have
ilir strength and courage for great things if you have not ac-
quired strength bit by bit through little things.

Slogan: Trifles make perfection; but perfection is no trifle.

ftb. 16. ST. ONESIMUS, Disciple of St. Paul

This saint was a slave to Philemon who was converted to the
faith by St. Paul. Onesimus robbed his master and fled. Provi-
ilrntially he met St. Paul who converted him and sent him
back to Philemon with a letter of recommendation. Philemon
(mrdoned him and sent him back to St. Paul whom he served
with great fidelity.

This is he who loved not his life in this world, and is come
|BtO an everlasting kingdom. And he is numbered among the
mmIs. — Third Responsory.

Me grateful then for the least, and thou shalt be made worthy
to receive greater things. — Imitation: Book 11.

Ideal: Through Philemon to whom St. Paul wrote a letter,
Onesimus was a disciple of St. Paul. St. Paul naturally attracted
• II to himself because he made it a purpose of his life "to become
til things to all men that he might win them to Christ."

I'oday: Live so this day that someone may be forced to think:
"If that is what the Church does for a person, I want to be
| i'iitholic."

Slogan: I became all things to all men that I might win them
l»i Christ.

30 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Feb. 17. ST. FLAVIAN, Bishop, Martyr

The life of this bishop was a continuous struggle against here-
tics and heresies. In defense of the faith, St. Flavian suffered
mental and physical torture. He sealed his faith with his blood.

By the virtue of thy prayer,
Let no evil hover nigh;
Sin's contagion drive afar:
Waken drowsy lethargy.

Who, then, is the best off? Truly he that is able to suffer some-
thing for the love of God.— -Imitation: Book I.

Ideal: This saint could be very meek and mild when he was
attacked personally; but when the teachings and the rights of
the Church were concerned it was an entirely different matter,
and the prestige and the power of the heretics made no difference
to St. Flavian.

Today; We speak of people like St. Flavian as persons who
have the courage of their convictions. Resolve today to learn
your history as well as possible, and whenever you have an
opportunity read the Sunday Visitor through. It would be an
excellent idea to make a scrapbook of clippings from the Sunday
Visitor. You might even ask your teacher to inspect your scrap-
book from time to time.

Slogan: One of the best defenses of the Church today is a
practical Catholic who knows his religion.

Feb. 18. ST. SIMEON, Bishop and Martyr

St. Simeon, son of Cleophas and of Mary, who was so closely
related to the Blessed Virgin as to be called her sister, became
Bishop of Jerusalem after the apostle St. James.

And whosoever doth not carry his cross and come after Mc
cannot be My disciple. — Go spelt Luke xiv.

For even our Lord Jesus Christ Himself was not for one hour
of His life without the anguish of His passion. "It behooved,"
said he, "that Christ should suffer, and rise from the dead, and
so enter into His glory." — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: St. Simeon was rather closely related to our Lady. Do
you think that a great honor? It is; but yours is greater; you
are her child; Jesus is your brother. Before He died He willed

FEBRUARY 31

her to us as it were. You would have been shocked if our Lady's

Iftd JSi? good - We say " They shouW be "S."

Today: Has your mother at home ever chided you with
Jou re a i disgrace to the family"? We do not always do c5S
to our self-sacrificing parents, it is true, but try today to be
I i redit, too, to your Mother and your Brother

Slogan: Make my heart like Thine, sweet Lord!
I'-b. 19. ST. BARBATUS, Bishop

to!' l!S« tU l^ aS one J of the most eloquent Preachers of his
toy. Despite slanders and persecutions of various kinds, he con-

cd , t0 P™ch the word of God. His untiring efforts were

uncd with success.

Wl.., , thmkest thou, is a faithful and wise servant, whom his

.... .ah .appointed over his family, to give them meat in season?

I 1L servant whom when his lord shall come he shall

E « Z£ rni m ? n ' ,1 !f y t0 y ° U| he shaI1 P ,ace him °ver all
ni» Koods. — Gospel: Matthew xxiv.

But they that follow Thee, by the contempt of wordly things
Ml the mortification of the flesh, are found to be wise indeed
" 'hey a re translated from vanity to truth, from the flesh to'
Ihi »pint. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: Are you easily dissuaded from doing your duty bv the
r leal comment of others? This saint pursued his teaching in
|»llr of anything that was said or done to hinder him.

wLlfVt ""Ar" 'if™ 1 "} 1 a J rc ? dy done so ' read eithe '" or both,
<rl of a Man and Shepherd of the North by Richard A. Maher

I thrilling stones of men who did their duty because it wasright

Vonan: Love God; then, do as you please. (Ask your teacher
la ixplam this slogan to you.) «acner

' •!•. 20. ST. EUCHERIUS, Bishop

Oil" h,tll° f^t MOney £ ° r W r ? r ' Charles MarteI ofte n stripped
Ihi .mrches of their revenue. St. Eucherius reproved these en -

.. meats with so much real that Charles banished him to
■■'•■..nc The saint was received into this city with great reioic-

" i " ar 'f °- r i er l d him taken t0 Lie S e - Here the governor wa,
■ harmed with the saint that he made him his chiff alSoner.

32 CHARACTER CALENDAR

By his manly chastity, by his sternly noble temperance, by
the graceful courtesy which marked him, he drew all men's love
to God. — Matins; Fifth Lesson.

My God and my all! To one that understandeth sufficient is
said; to one that loveth, to repeat it often is delightful. — Imita-
tion: Book III.

Ideal: Mattel, the Hammerer of heretics, in spite of all the
good he had done for the Church, could not infringe on the
rights of that Church, while St. Eucherius was about.

Today: One of the greatest difficulties in the world today is
the readiness with which people will yield to any demands for
money. Would you? What do you think, for instance, of men who
accept great sums of money to deceive the government? Would
you do it?

Slogan: Honesty is the best policy.

Feb. 21. ST. SEVERIANUS, Bishop, Martyr

Because he refused to accept the Eutychian heresy, St. Seve-
rianus was seized, dragged out of the city, and martyred.

Martyr of unconquered might,

Follower of the Incarnate Son!

Who, victorious in the fight,

Hast celestial glory won. — Lauds: Hymn.

Lift up, therefore, thy face to heaven; behold I and all My
saints with Me, who in this world have had a great conflict, now
rejoice, are comforted now, are now secure, are now at rest;
and they shall for all eternity abide with Me in the kingdom
of My Father. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal; These persecutors did the saint a great favor when
they put him to death ; they sent him to heaven by the shortest
possible route.

Today; The Little Flower of Jesus, St. Theiese, became a
saint by seeing in everything that happened to her an oppor-
tunity for growing in merit before God. As long as we must
endure certain disagreeable situations anyway, we might as well
be philosophic and "fool the devil" and let those very hardships
help us to heaven.

Slogan: To them that love God all things work together unto
good.

FEBRUARY 33

«'.!>. 22, ST. PETER'S CHAIR AT ANTIOCH
Before St. Peter went to Rome he founded the See of Antioch

«.. a' P h 5 C ' ty ? f the EaSt u^ that time - Realizin 8 that Rome
J , u . bette / ccnter - geographically and politically, St. Peter left
\niioch and went to Rome.

In the honor which is this day paid to the inauguration of
'•• f.rst Bishop's throne, an honor is paid to the office of all
'' ». — Matms: Sixth Lesson.

"iirL a LT n r r Ci Thv° f trib , ulat , ion become lovely and most desir-
,.° m . e for Tl }y names s ak e; for to suffer and to be afflicted
'■•• Ihee .s very healthful for my souL- Imitation; Booklfl

./( / n!f\nH f ! She t rman , 1 With -"° education . >>ut with intense love
"''• ?? dcont ' nui ^ stnvin S l ° ^ke himself more and more
Ik. his Master, St. Peter saw with an inspired eye what woSd
1 I" the advantage of the Church.

Today : Students sometimes are afflicted with the notion that
•'•■ know so much better than their elders what is proper and
I...I should and what should not be done, etc. Are you such?
iy (<.r some of St. Peter's simple faith today.

■'■'f,im: Lord that I may see!

I b, 23. ST. PETER DAMIAN

• •.ph.-Lned at an early age, St. Peter was treated so cruelly by

I llder brother that a younger brother sent him to the Vnl

Ity of Parma where he acquired great distinction. He was

':: ir«^R™ ^ ion and was «* « *• —

'" the midst of the congregation did the Lord open His mouth
^ts^TnsZf ^ ° f Wi5d ° m ^ Und -tanding.-

[1 ira 1 He that in an instant elevateth the humble mind to com-

n,! more reasons of the eternal truth than if anyone had

!•» Icn years in the_ schools. I teach without noise of words

hni confusion of opinions, without ambition of honor, with-'

1 Irlfc of arguments. — Imitation: Book III.

it: A poor abused orphan, St. Peter Damian became one

most brilliant students at the University of Parma Later

m called upon by seven popes in succession to hdp SS

34 CHARACTER CALENDAR

in important decisions. Best of all, and most important, he became
a saint.

Today: Persons who continually lament that they have no
chance and they wish this and they hope that, never get any-
where. Do as St. Ignatius suggested "Pray as if all depended
upon God alone, and work as if all depended upon you alone."

Slogan: He who only hopes is hopeless.

Feb. 24. ST. MATTHIAS, Apostle

St. Matthias was elected to fill the place of Judas. The saint
was above all remarkable for his mortification of the flesh.

He sanctified him in his faith and meekness, and chose him
out of all flesh. And He gave him commandments before His
Face, and a law of life and instruction, and He exalted him. —
Epistle: Book of Wisdom.

Be fond of inquiring, and listen in silence to the words of the
saints; and let not the parables of the ancients be displeasing
to thee, for they are not uttered without cause. — Imitation:
Book I.

Ideal: After the fall of Judas from his place, another man
was to be chosen to fill up the number, and the lot fell upon
Matthias. That looks like chance, does it not? To the eyes of
men, it was, but really it was God's will.

Today: If you have ever been told or have reason yourself to
believe that you have a vocation to a higher life, do not throw
away to the world the most precious of your endowments, youth
and virtue; let your offering to God be entire. Say an extra prayer
each day for the grace to know what God has intended for your
lifework; begin today.

Slogan: You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you.

Feb. 25. ST. TARASIUS

In the midst of the court and in its highest honors, St. Tarasius
led a life like that of a religious man. As Patriarch of Constan-
tinople he was a model of perfection to clergy and laity. He was
prayerful and abstemious and fearless of opposition when hfl
knew that he had the side of justice and truth.

This is the wise and faithful steward, whom his lord settetli

FEBRUARY 35

0V« his family: to give them their measure of wheat in due

»i'ii ion. — Communion.

A Rood life maketh a man wise according to God, and eiveth
rent experience. — Imitation: Book I.

I '''['"'L Re 8 ardIes s of what others did in the court in which he

ved, larasius set his own standards and lived his own life

H"i is a very hard thing for young people to do in our day

re Hun at any other time perhaps.

Today: Just because twenty thousand people of your age are

■ "Inn wrong, their doing it does not make it right. Be in-

■ 1. 1 M-iulcnt , too independent to be a "tag-along" when there is

11 i'»n of wrongdoing or infringing the least bit on your
l 'I tin iples.

tlogan: Be ye steadfast and immovable.

b. 26. ST. PORPHYRY, Bishop

In spite of physical ailments, St. Porphyry visited the Holv
IJW'M every day. Following Divine inspiration he sold his prop-
lad gave the proceeds to the poor. In reward God restored
in to perfect health He became a priest and was intrusted
Hn i lie relics of the True Cross.

I II Thy priests, Lord, be clothed with justice, and let Thy
Unto rejoice: for Thy servant David's sake, turn not away the
'■'<• "l the anointed. — Introit.

I have received, from Thy hand, the Cross; I will bear it,

, M " i,r V Ve , n ,V" t0 death > as Thou hast la»d it upon me.—
lilnlion: Book III, r

Mud: God always rewards almost immediately those who, like
« "low in the Gospel, give much of their little in alms to God

iMiose that our Lord came about your street and held out His
.-nil lor alms, and you had a dime you were on your way
1 iprnd for ice cream; what would you do?

Today: Do not say "If I had about a million dollars, I'd give
h Mf thousand to have the church decorated or to build a new

' f " help some poor missionaries." You don't need a million

hi have little give of that, but cheerfully, appreciating the
« ,f hem S allowed to assist God with His own gift to you.

hgan: Almsgiving pays the largest rate of interest on the
iiucnt.

36 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Feb. 27. ST. LEANDER, Bishop

St. Leander, Bishop of Seville, was instrumental in making
Spain Catholic instead of Arlan. After the king had killed his
eldest son and banished Leander, he was filled with remorse. He
placed his son Recared in the care of the saint. Recared soon
became a Catholic and converted the whole nation of the Visi-
goths.

My truth and My mercy shall be with him: and in My Name
shall his horn be exalted. — Offertory.

If thou wilt possess a blessed life, despise this present life.
If thou wilt be exalted in heaven, humble thyself in this world.
— Imitation: Book IIL

Ideal: Struggling under very great difficulty, St. Leander did
what he could till God should see fit to come to his aid. This
latter came to reward his patient waiting and he accomplished
much good before his holy death.

Today: The story is told of an old lady whom the weather
always suited regardless of what kind. When it was hot, she said
"This is fine for my rheumatism"; when it was wet she said
"This is fine for ducks and sailors"; so she always saw good in
it. Do the same.

Slogan: Whichever way the wind doth blow, some heart is
glad to have it so.

Feb. 28. SS. ROMANUS AND LUPICINUS, Abbots

In the forests of Mt. Jura, St. Romanus found a spot thai
satisfied his desire for solitude and for gardening. He spent his
time working, reading, and praying. His brother Lupicinus joined
him and he in turn was followed by others. Together they built
a monastery.

The just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow up
like the cedar of Libanus. — Gradual.

He that seeketh anything else but simply God, and the salva-
tion of his soul, will find nothing but trouble and sorrow.—
Imitation: Book I.

Ideal: Gardeners, indeed, these two holy men cultivated herbs
for the sick and flowers in their own soul for God. Gardeners,

FEBRUARY 37

nl !r, d rl d H their ff denin S we » and ^came saints in the doing. If

ou are doomed to drive a truck all your life or to wash dishes

• nve your truck well and wash your dishes thorough : make

^•if^a^nr' ^ C ° ntent; l0Ve G ° d and r™ SUK

fcwow°hi " T^J 6 • F ° rd and the ""ghbors have a Pierce-
krrow, be so glad that it costs less to keep up a Ford and that
II gets one through places where a Pierce-Arrow could not venture

"'want. RatLCr WaQt What y ° U haVe than ^ to have what
1 I b. 29. ST. OSWALD, Bishop

mSnllT Iw?^ ?? carelessness that had developed
I i,,n L t °J a - certain mon ast e ry, St. Oswald encouraged

I ..Hon to our Lady m a very special manner, by which means

" ,nks soon b««ne as fervent again, as once they had been

Gentle was he, wise, pure, and lowly-hearted,
Sober and modest, ever foe to strife. — Vespers.
J' Is no small thing to dwell in monasteries and to live there

: :;l co rr;: and to pereevere ***■•* -en un to s£i

Mm/.* Through devotion to our Lady, St. Oswald did the
Jlrst service to the Church. You cannot love our Lady and
U.I a careless life; you must give up one or the other

[Way: When you have special difficulties with algebra or

ID penmansh.p or with a history examination, do the best vou

imd ask our Lady to make the respective subject stick fast

inzfs-sur' fomkes *- wh ° d ° tLr ™^
fen w.^rSdS^r d 5 ^r yone who fled to ^

MARCH

March 1. ST. ALBINUS, Bishop

As a monk St. Albinus was a living example of his rufc. His
soul seemed so perfectly governed by the spirit of Christ that he
seemed to live only for Him. As Bishop of Angers he was inde-
fatigable in his zeal for the glory of God. Honored by the world
and even by kings, he was never affected by vanity.

Who, thinkest thou, is a faithful and wise servant, whom his
lord hath appointed over his family to give them meat in season?
— Gospel: Matthew xxiv.

Look upon the lively examples of the holy Fathers, in whom
shone real perfection and the religious life, and thou wilt see how
little it is, and almost nothing, that we do. — Jntztatton: Hook 1.

Ideal: At thirty-five this man was chosen to be abbot of a
large monastery, but it made no difference in his modesty nor in
his practice of mortification.

Today : Keep a close guard on yourself and see if you have the
habit of turning your head this way and that either to see all
that is going on or to see if anybody is looking at you. Perhaps
you would scarcely think it, but that is usually an indicat.on of
a kind of silly vanity. Keep looking straight ahead of you.

Slogan: Keep your powder dry and fire straight ahead. — Ad-
vice given to one oj our presidents.

March 2. ST. SIMPLICIUS, Pope

St. Simplicius reigned during a stormy period in the history ol
the Church. The West was in the hands of barbarian hordes; th.
East was torn by heresy. No sacrifice was too great for thu
pontiff in his effort to restore peace and unity.

38

MARCH 39

Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech
l I»ij> is the priest whom the Lord hath crowned.

Wc ought rather to choose to have the whole world against
HI than to offend Jesus.— Imitation; Book II,

Ideal: When Rome was besieged by barbarians, this Pope set
•limit doing "good to his enemies" as our Lord had said we should.
nimJ converted many to Christianity. When the East also made
Inroads on Rome, he did the same there, thus turning the efforts
01 Hie Evil One against himself.

Today: When you are tempted today to "fly off the handle,"
I Ilk very slowly and do not talk at all, take out your books very
•Uihcrately and say to the Tempter: "Not this time, if vou

Slogan: Make of yourselves a pleasing sight before angels and

March 3. ST. CUNEGUNDIS, Empress

i«> prove her innocence this saint walked over red-hot plow-
li i rrs in the presence of her husband, St. Henry. Upon the death

St. Henry she became a Nun in a monastery which she herself
> |'l iounded. She was an example to all of humility and kindness.
1 1"' poor and the sick were special objects of her solicitude.

Klic hath put out her hand to strong things, and her fingers
N n r taken hold of the spindle. She hath opened her hand to the
nly, and stretched out her hands to the poor. — Epistle: Prov-
'/'j xxxi,

I hey renounced all riches, dignities, honors, friends, and kindred;
•hfv hardly took what was necessary for life: it grieved them to
rvc the body even in its necessity. — Imitation: Book I.

Ultal: This sweet, retiring saint was an empress of the Roman
"i""'. After her husband's death, she became a religious, her
•• iirst desires being to humble herself and be everybody's servant
t* our Savior had been.

Today: Genuine Christian charity is the loveliest courtesy you
in have. Be just as attentive as you can to the wants of others
IhiIhv. to your parents and teachers most of all, and note how
ml It makes you feel tonight.

. 'Kan: Everyone that doth not renounce all that he possesseth
imml be My disciple.

40 CHARACTER CALENDAR

March 4. ST. CASIMIR, King

In an atmosphere of luxury, this young prince fasted, wore a
hair shirt, slept upon the bare earth, prayed by night, and watched
for the opening of the church doors at dawn. His love for our
Blessed Lady is expressed in a beautiful hymn. Numberless miracles
testify to his sanctity.

Being made perfect for a short space, and full of piety and good
works, he foretold the day of his own death, and gathering around
him a choir of priests and monks, he rendered his soul into thr
hands of the God Whom they were praising upon the fourth of
March in the year of our Lord 1482, the twenty-fifth of his own
age. — Matins: Sixth Lesson.

O Lord, my God, Thou hast created me to Thine own image and
likeness, grant me this grace, which Thou hast shown to be so
great, and so necessary to salvation, that I may overcome my most
corrupt nature which draweth me to sin and to perdition.-
Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: The life of this saint is so fascinating, so charming thai
you must read it in its entirety. You have a Pictorial Lives of the
Saints at home, read it there or ask for the copy in your school
library.

Today: Notice how very lovely the influence of Our Lady is
on the saints especially devoted to her. There is a certain gallantry
that nothing else can give about those who love our Lady very
truly.

Slogan: Queen of all Saints, pray for us.

March 5. SS. ADRIAN AND EUBULUS

These two saints were on their way to visit Christian friend*
when they were apprehended and asked where they were going
and what their errand was. Upon admitting that they were Chris
tians, they were first tortured and then cruelly put to death.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me. — Prime: Psalm xxii

Many follow Jesus to the breaking of bread, but few to thr
drinking of the chalice of His passion. — Imitation: Book II.

, Ideal: These two men were most cruelly martyred for their faith,

MARCH 41

Adrian was partly eaten by a lion, but not killed. One shudders
p read such things; but the love of these men for our Lord was
ho great that they were happy for the opportunity to do some-
thlng to show their gratitude.

Today: If it rains on your way to school or is slushy under-
foot, be glad to have an opportunity to offer something to God
in atonement for your past sins. If anybody treated us in the
tanner that we respond to all God's great kindness, we would
"<>l permit him near us another moment.

Slogan: More suffering, my Savior, give me still more suffering
-St. Lidwina.

M.trch 6. SS. PERPETUA AND FELICITAS, Martyrs

St. Perpetua had just become a mother and St. Felicitas was on
i In- point of becoming one when they were arrested at Carthage
timing the persecution of Severus. When the judge told them that
they were condemned to the wild beast, they were transported
Vlth joy. /

Pilled with the mystical joys which are the objects of our
di ires, grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to obtain by the inter-
twwion of Thy holy martyrs Perpetua and Felicitas the everlast-
Iiik effects of what we do in life. — Postcommunion.

But they that love Jesus for Jesus' sake, and not for the sake
of Home consolation of their own, bless Him no less in tribulation
ind anguish of heart than in the greatest consolation. — Imitation:

hook ii,

ideal: Both these saints were mothers of a family, and each
had a very sweet little child when they were thrown into prison.
Iltdiigh an appeal was made to them to save their life for the
phlld's sake by offering incense to the gods, they refused, thus
» tilistandtng the appeal of what is considered the strongest incen-
e in the world.

Today: Our Lord has said "He that loveth father or mother
more than Me is not worthy of Me,*' which means that not any-
thing in the world is to be preferred to God. If you stop to con-

klrr for just a moment some of the very contemptible things you
Have at times preferred to God, it will make you very humble and

hould make you very contrite.

Slogan: My God and my All. — St. Francis.

42 CHARACTER CALENDAR

March 7. ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

As a young man St. Thomas determined, in spite of family oppo-
sition, to enter the Dominican Order. He so completely conquered
the demon of impurity that he was exempt from all temptation.
Aided by a supernatural light, his intelligence sounded the depths
of divine mysteries.

I wished, and understanding was given me; and I called, and the
spirit of wisdom came upon me; and I preferred her before king-
doms and thrones. — Epistle: Book of Wisdom.

Blessed is that man who for love of Thee, O Lord, abandoneth
all things created; who offereth violence to nature and through
fervor of spirit crucifieth the concupiscence of the flesh; that so
with a serene conscience, he may offer to Thee pure prayers and
become worthy to be admitted among the choir of angels, having
excluded himself both exteriorly and interiorly from all the things
of earth. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: This splendid type of manhood, this glorious light of
the University of Paris, this triumphant conqueror of himself, this
angel of purity, attributed all his wondrous learning to the Crucifix.

Today: You must know the life of this excellent student. Gel
a copy of his biography; if you begin reading, you'll not be able
to stop till you have finished. He is an inspiration. Take your
missal and read through the liturgy of Corpus Christ! ; St.
Thomas composed it. You cannot help loving this saint enthusias
tically and wanting to be like him.

Slogan: Thou hast written well of Me, Thomas, what wouldsl
thou? Nothing but Thyself, dear Lord, nothing but Thyself!

March 8. ST. JOHN OF GOD

This saint was rather wild until he was 40. Then filled with
remorse he made amends by selling holy pictures and books at a
low price, by ministering to the sick, by working and begging for
the poor. In a vision our Lord told him how acceptable his
work was.

O God, Who didst cause blessed John, when burning with love
for Thee, to walk unscathed through flames, and Who didst by
his means enrich Thy Church with a new religious order: grant,
that his merits pleading in our behalf, our evil passions may, to

MARCH 43

Ihr everlasting healing of our souls, be burned up in the lire of
mil love of Thee. — Collect.

He that hath true and perfect charity seeketh himself in nothing,
bUl only desireth God to be glorified in all things. — Imitation:

Ideal: John was rather advanced in years when he felt the call
b( Cod; but when he heard the call, he went home, sold his goods,
►nlrrrd the religious order, and became a saint. There was dis-
I'liili in his method of doing things.

Today; If you are going to be a saint some day; if you are
UK (o begin to spend a good Lent next week; if you are going
mnke up your mind tomorrow, you will never be any greater
Mini that you are now, perhaps less so. Do it now.

Vogan: Today I begin. — St. Ignatius.

Mtroh 9. ST. FRANCES OF ROME

I he parents of St. Frances overruled her desire to become a

». «nd she was married at the age of 12 to Ponziano, a Roman

I ulilr. During the 40 years of their married life they never had a
iliMKiTcment. Her guiding principle, to quote her own words, was:
\ married woman must leave God at the altar to find Him in
\m domestic cares." She constantly lived in the visible presence
-•I her Guardian Angel.

how lovely and glorious is the generation of the chaste.—
Vtitbts: First Antiphon.

i lie nature of thy Beloved is such that He will not admit of
j rival; but He will have thy heart for Himself alone and sit as
KliiK upon His throne. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: This charming saint enjoyed the visible presence of her

1 ndian Angel. No one knew how very intensely this saint was
n,,ing all the while mentally from temptations of the devil,
lili'li her angel helped St. Frances overcome.

Today: The fact that St. Frances could see her angel did not

HH in that he was present at her side any more than your angel

llways with you. Think about that today and get into the habit

i bflng conscious of his presence always. You resolved last Octo-

you recall, to say little prayers to your angel from time to

llnir <-dch day.

44 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Slogan: Dear angel, ever at my side,

To light, to guard, to rule and guide.

March 10. THE FORTY MARTYRS OF SEBASTE

The 40 martyrs were soldiers quartered at Sebaste in Armenia.
When their legion was ordered to offer sacrifice, they refused. As
a result they were exposed on a frozen pond. One of them threw
himself into a tepid bath hard by; but their guard, touched by
the grace of God, took his place and there were still 40 martyrs-.

The just cried, and the Lord heard them; and delivered them
out of all their troubles. — Introit.

Whoever findeth Jesus findeth a good treasure — yea, a good
above every good. And he that loseth Jesus loseth much — yea,
more than the whole world. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: These were 40 men who refused to offer sacrifice to the
gods. One of their number crept from the frozen pond into the
warm bath hard by and died immediately while one of the attend-
ants rushed out to take his place and keep the number 40 intact.

Today: Your class intends to make this day as nearly perfecl
in the final record as possible. You will not be the one to spoil
the record by slipping up ever so slightly on the requirements of
your particular group.

Slogan: In unity there is strength.

March II. ST. EULOGIUS, Martyr

As head of the ecclesiastical school at Cordove, St. Eulogius
won the hearts of all by his humility, mildness, and charity. Seized
by Moors, he was thrown into prison and beheaded for his faith.

Loosened from the fleshly chain

Which detained thee here of old,

Loose us from the bonds of sin,

From the fetters of the world. — Lauds: Hymn.

Our merit, and the advancement of our state, consists not in
the having of many sweetnesses and consolations; but rather in
bearing great afflictions and tribulations. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: While this martyr was being led out to execution, one
of the guards struck him a blow on his face. At once Eulogius
turned the other cheek to receive another blow.

MARCH 45

Today: Trying to get even is a mark of savagery; do you do
ii ? Watch yourself today or the next time somebody does what
i cms to you an injustice to you.

Slogan: An offense was intended or it was not; if it was, you
lower yourself to get even; if it was not, forget it.

March 12. ST. GREGORY THE GREAT

St. Gregory gave his wealth to the poor, turned his home into
A monastery and became a perfect monk. Elected successively
ibbot, cardinal, and supreme pontiff, he was one of the greatest
I'upi'S. the Church has ever had. He is one of the four great Latin
Fathers.

He was the author of many books, and Peter the Deacon de-
elurcth that he often saw the Holy Ghost in the form of a dove
When he was dictating them. It is a marvel how much he spoke,
did, wrote, and legislated, suffering all the while from a weak and
llrkly body. He worked many miracles. — Led. vi. Matins.

He doth much who Ioveth much. He doth much who doth well
uliat he hath to do. — Imitation: Book L

Ideal: Member of a saintly family, Father of the Church, a
l.nlliant student, this saint seems to have had all the advantages
(hut help toward starting out right in life, hut you know from
Ihr example of many saints that it depends on one's good will
"inch more than on heredity and environment.

Today: Count your blessings. Thank God you are a Catholic,
I hat you have an opportunity to attend a Catholic school, that
you were born after the time our Lord lived on earth, that you
ire not blind, that you can walk.

Slogan: Thou hast blessed us, Lord, far beyond our deserts.

March 13. ST. EUPHRASIA, Virgin

Bt. Euphrasia dedicated her life to God in the convent at the age
.1 7. When she became of age she ordered her vast estate to be
old and divided among the poor. In order to overcome tempta-
tion she often performed painful penitential labor, as sometimes
In carry heavy stones from one place to another.

The Lord is the King of virgins. O come, let us worship Him.—
M»ii ins: Invitatory.

46 CHARACTER CALENDAR

sacred state of religious servitude, which maketh men equal
to angels, pleasing to God, terrible to the devils, and commendable
to all the faithful. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: This little saint wanted to be in a convent from the time
she was 7 years old. Her mother lived near a large convent and
Euphrasia was allowed to live with the Sisters. She became a grcal
saint, doing the humblest tasks, and feeling, as she should have,
that her least service was service in the immediate house of God.

Today: There will come a time when you no longer have a
mother or father whom you can assist; then you will regret the
many opportunities you missed when you might have lightened
their burden. Do all you can for them now, even before they ask
you. See with your eyes.

Slogan: I love you, mother, said little John

And, forgetting work, his cap went on,
And he was out in the garden swing
Leaving his mother the wood to bring.

March 14. ST. MAUD, Queen

•■

St. Maud was the wife of Henry, King of Germany. While her
husband was engaged in extending his kingdom, she spent her
time in visiting and comforting the sick, in serving and instruct-
ing the poor, and bringing succor to prisoners.

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above the
rarest merchandise. The heart of her husband doth safely trusl
in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him
good and not evil all the days of her life. — Matins: First Lesson.

He that hath true and perfect charity seeketh himself in nothing,
but only desireth God to be glorified in all things. — Imitation

Ideal: Maud was the daughter of Theodoric. Being very wealthy
she had great means of assisting the poor. Nothing pleased her
more than to carry food and medicines to the poor, sick, and ailing.

Today: Perhaps there is somebody ill in your neighborhood who
would love to have you read a story to him or talk pleasantly
a while to cheer him up. Perhaps you could go to the hospital and
inquire if you may visit someone there who has not friends to
come and make the long hours pleasant. Your turn may be coming
soon, you know.

Slogan: Do as you would be done by.

MARCH 47

March 15. ST. ZACHARY, Pope '

It Zachary was a man of singular meekness and goodness. De-
|"'t<'<l to his people, he risked his life that they might be spared.
Nil fervor in saying Mass inspired all present with devotion.

Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord ? or who shall

"". '" , k . holy „ pke? He that hat n clean hands and a pure
HI hi. — Matins: Psalm xxiii.

, i\ ' ;r ?K ^l I s - l0 u e ~; a great good ever y W: wh >ch alone
tttcneth all that is burdensome, and beareth equally all things
Unit are unequal. — Imitation: Book III.

'■lad: Now that we are getting on in Lent, with Easter in the
■I distance, what progress have we made? Are we merely "hold-
in now on certain things that we will permit ourselves
•rntln, immediately Lent is over?

Today: The yery best fast, as you know, is fast from sin to
in.li we are all obliged and always. You seem not to be suffer-
particularly from the little penances you are practicing now;
*hy not keep up some of them even after Lent is over?

Vogan: Only with God do we count our hours.
M-roh 16. SS. ABRAHAM AND MARY

'Illy years St. Abraham spent in a hermitage. The Bishop of

ilr«Mi ordained him priest, though the saint felt that he was

mirrly unworthy of so great an honor. After his ordination he

■'«it to an idolatrous city that had refused to accept Chris-

inlly. Relying on fasting and prayer, rather than on preachine,

brought every citizen to baptism. Among those he led to sanctity

*m Ins niece Mary.

Ni.vcna for the Feast of the Annunciation begins today.

Mi irken unto the voice of my cry, my King and my God; for
I nee will I pray. — Matins: Psalm v.

' ■ ' hou art neVer secure in this life; but as long as thou livest

•in n;i weapons are always necessary for thee.— Imitation:

MmI: These were uncle and niece who lived a life of seclusion
' "««*• Even in the desert, alone and away from the rest of
i In world, Mary committed a great sin, for which she did severe
mi- the rest of her life.

48 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Today: Mary's fall should prove to us that we are, after all,
each our own greatest difficulty. Pray today then for perseverance
in God's grace.

Slogan: Give me grace to keep Thy grace

And grace to merit more. — Mother Loyola.

March 17. ST. PATRICK, Apostle of Ireland

This holy bishop put to such profit the talents he had received
from God that he became the father of all his people and that
Ireland has preserved for him, after 13 centuries, an ardent and
tender devotion which nothing has been able to weaken. March 17
is a national day and a holyday of obligation in Ireland.

They say that it was his custom to repeat every day the whole
Book of Psalms, together with songs and hymns, and 200 prayers;
that he bent his knees in worship 300 times every day. — Matins:
Lesson Sixth.

Love feeleth no burden, thinketh nothing of labors, would will-
ingly do more than it can, complaineth not of impossibility, be-
cause it conceiveth that it may and can do all things. — Imitation;
Book III.

Ideal: Some say St. Patrick was French, others that he was
Scotch; but whether French or Scotch, the Irish have all reason
to be proud of their patron. The important thing, however, is: Has
the dear saint reason to be proud of you?

Today: Live so that when you blush with pride at mention of
St. Patrick, your neighbors need not say: "Are you a Catholic?
I never knew that." Live by your faith.

Slogan; Not he that saith "Lord, Lord," shall enter into thfl
Kingdom of Heaven, but he that doth the will of My Father.

March 18. ST. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM

St. Cyril, in giving instruction to eonverts preparing for bap
tism, arranged the first systematic exposition of the Christian
religion. He was chosen Bishop of Jerusalem and witnessed Julian's
futile attempt to rebuild the Temple.

Look down with favor, we beseech Thee, O Lord, upon the spot-
less Victim we offer up to Thee: and grant that by the merits of
blessed Cyril, Thy confessor and bishop, we may ever strive to |
receive it into a heart undefiled. — Secret.

MARCH 49

For at too great a hazard doth he stand who casteth not his
nnle care on Thee. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: Cyril lived at the time that Julian the Apostate tried to
m "Mi. id the Temple at Jerusalem. Cyril was not disturbed. "God's
rorcl will not fail" he said and calmly looked on the efforts of
■ Irluded emperor. You know the tragedy of the attempt.

t'>tlay: The Ten Commandments are God's word. They are as

jmd as binding in 1931 as they were when given amid thunder

mil lightning on Mt. Sinai, and don't let anybody ever convince
mi otherwise.

Woftan: Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall
I pass away.

Miroh 19. ST. JOSEPH

II"- Church always honors St. Joseph with Mary and Jesus,
i-< 'ally during the Christmas season. Let us imitate the purity,
1 ,,,,l y» the spirit of prayer, and meditation of St. Joseph.

Death brings to other saints their rest;

Through toil they win the victor's place; —

Thou, happier, like the angels blest,

Alive hast seen God face to face. — Vespers: Hymn.

Ily two wings is man lifted above earthly things, viz., by sim-
I'H-ilv and purity. — Imitation: Book II. '

hfoal: The Scriptures make one single statement regarding the
1 iiiH-tcr of this great, great saint, "Joseph was a just man." Few
Mi|ilo knew him, and even they spoke of him only as the car-

rl - Do you see what it all comes to again? Nothing matters

«"r|.t w hat God thinks of us.

Today: Pray for three graces from St. Joseph every day of
Mir life: Personal love for Jesus and Mary, union with God in
ii daily work, a happy death.

'flan: Help us, Joseph, in our daily strife
E'er to live a good and holy life.

Urol. 20. ST. WULFRAN, Archbishop

Wulfran resigned his bishopric after two years and became

• ' ,,,le missionary. Through prayer St. Wulfran saved the life

I man who was ta oe sacrificed to the gods by hanging. After
miracle his prestige was firmly established among the pagans.

SO CHARACTER CALENDAR

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. They go forth weeping
sowing their seed; they shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bring-
ing their sheaves with them. — Vespers: Psalm cxxv.

To walk with God within, and to be bound by no affection from
without, is the state of the interior man. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: By a miracle, St. Wulfran saved a man from being offered
in sacrifice to the gods, and then saved the man's soul for God
and heaven.

Today: A story is told in the life of this saint, of a pagan who
jokingly put off his conversion till later. When that "later" time
came, this man sent for a priest to talk over his possible con-
version, but before the priest could reach him, the man was dead
Some people tell us that constant thought of death would make
us morose; but, if we are to be morose at all, it is better before
death than after.

Slogan: Death shall come like a thief in the night.

March 21. ST. BENEDICT, Abbot

St. Benedict went to school in Rome. Frightened by the wick
edness of young people, he fled to the desert of Subiaco. Aftffl
spending three years in a cave, he attracted crowds by his virtue.
The great Roman families sent their children to him and hr
founded in the mountains twelve monasteries.

Some months before he departed this life, Benedict forewarned
his disciples on what day he was going to die; and he ordered bU
grave to be opened six days before he was carried to it. — Matins;
Sixth Lesson.

Many are His visits to the man of interior life, and sweet the
conversation that He holdeth with him: plenteous His console
tion, His peace, and His familiarity. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: This is the brother of St. Scholastica, He was accustomed
to visit his holy sister once a year to talk over affairs concerning
their advance in holiness. Feeling that she was to die the night of
his last visit, she begged him to stay a bit longer, but he refused
since according to his rule, his time was up. St. Scholastica played
a little trick on him by praying for a storm which came down
in such fury that her brother had to stay. That night, St. Schol;. I
tica died.

Today: Perhaps you have the mistaken notion, too, that saint «
are necessarily gloomy people who are always praying from ■

MARCH i 51

prayer book or doing extraordinary penance, never smiling, or
playing tricks on one another. That is a grave mistake. A saint is
u person who does God's will as well as he reasonably can You
can be a saint right this minute, today.

.Slogan: I can; I must; I WILL.

March 22. ST. CATHERINE OF SWEDEN

St. Catherine was the daughter of St. Brigid. Even as a child
pC was remarkable for her love of God. She was married to
' Kurd, a man of great virtue. By a holy emulation they encouraged
m another in doing good. St. Catherine accompanied her mother
Oil pilgrimages and practices of devotion and prayer,

c nine O My chosen one, and I will establish My throne in thee,
[01 l he King hath greatly desired thy beauty. — First Responsory.

I confess, therefore, my unworthiness; I acknowledge Thy

1 ntv 5 I praise Thy goodness; and I give Thee thanks for Thy

i ".-(ling love. — Imitation; Book IV.

Ideal: This dear saint was a member of a very holy family. She
her duty day for day, nothing extraordinary, just her duty,
1,1,1 sne dld lt extraordinarily well; that made the difference.

today; Now that Lent is advancing so rapidly to its close, make
or lost time, though really that cannot be done. All you can

•now is to make extra efforts to counterbalance the opportu-
ri y° u bave le * slip by without using them to advantage.

'•logon; Time lost is lost forever.

tfiroh 23. SS. VICTORIAN AND COMPANIONS, Martyrs

•i Victorian was governor of Carthage with the Roman title of

1 >»^ul After the king had issued his edicts against the Chris-

1 l he off€red Victorian wealth and honor if he would renounce

I religion. Victorian made a generous renunciation of this offer
IliU infuriated the king, and Victorian paid the price with his

By all the praise Thy saints have won;

Hy all their pains in days gone by;

By all the deeds which they have done;

Hear Thou Thy suppliant people's cry. — Lauds; Hymn.

[Hewed is that man who for Thee, O Lord, abandoneth all things
iln!.— Imitation; Book HI.

52 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Ideal: Victorian was a very wealthy magistrate whom the king
loved for his fidelity; but when the edicts against the Christians
were published, Victorian refused to carry them out. For this hr
was most cruelly tortured and put to death.

Today: We admire persons who are courageous enough to say
"no" at the right time. During Lent you may have many an
occasion to do just that. There are many things that are nol
wrong to do during Lent, but our permitting ourselves the indul
gence is a bad example to people about us.

Slogan: So let your light shine before men that they may Ml
your good work and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.

March 24. ST. GABRIEL, Archangel

With a feeling of holy reverence, St. Gabriel came to tin*
Virgin who from all eternity had been chosen to be the Mother on
earth of Him of Whom God is the Father in heaven. In the word*
inspired by the Most High he said: Hail, Mary, full of grace, thr
Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

In those days, the Angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city
of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man who*
name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin's nanw
was Mary. — Gospel: Luke I.

Being grounded and established in God, they can by no meam
be proud. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: Just before the lovely Feast of the Annunciation, com.
this Feast of Gabriel who brought to us from heaven the messagl
of our approaching salvation and taught us the Hail Mary.

Today: Say the Hail Mary as devoutly as possible today. Try
to be conscious of the presence of an angel at your side as mUCJ
of the time as you can. You recall how you were accustomed M
make room for him when you were small. At least, make i<><"»
for him in your thoughts today.

Slogan: Ever this day be at my side.

To light, to guard, to rule and guide.

March 25. THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE BLESSED
VIRGIN MARY

Today the Church recalls the greatest event in history, the In
carnation of our Lord. On this day the Word was made AH
and has united to Itself forever the humanity of Jesus.

MARCH 53

God Who wast pleased that Thy Word should take flesh, at
i In- message of an angel, in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary,

Sunt to Thy suppliants, that we who believe her to be truly the
[other of God, may be helped by her intercession with Thee.—
i ,'ilect.

Let nothing appear great, nothing valuable, or admirable, noth-
ing worthy of esteem, nothing high, nothing truly praiseworthy or
ill uable, but that which is eternal. — Imitation: Book III.

I 'leal: How shall we ever be able to thank our Lady for pro-
nouncing the single word "Fiat" (Be it done), the answer she

• ni back to heaven that she would be the Mother of the Savior?

Today: Make a special visit to our Lady's statue today; let it

hi l|> you to think of our Lady. Close your eyes and pray from

"iir heart whatever your heart dictates. Certainly no one else

• in I ell you what to say to her today when your heart must
lulrlv burst with love and gratitude and praise of your heavenly
Mother.

Slogan: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me
ki curding to Thy word.

March 26. ST. LUDGER, Bishop

St. Ludger was the apostle of Friesland. He was accused to
'nilemagne of wasting his income and neglecting the building
il i Imrches. The saint was at his prayers when the summons came
In appear at court. St. Ludger finished his prayers and then
ippurted to the king. Upon being reprimanded for his delay, St.
1 lhIkit explained that though he entertained the highest regard
i" i his king, he owed greater respect for his God, Charlemagne
hi I missed him with honor.

Messed is the man that doth meditate in the law of the Lord:
1 1 flight is therein day and night, and whatsoever he doeth shall

l hi*. — -Matins: First Antiphon.

Hpruk, then, Lord, for Thy servant heareth; for Thou hast
( (ii wurds of eternal life. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: When uncertain what to do about certain matters, Ludger
i his difficulty to the Holy See to be certain he was not teach-
i»r acting contrary to the doctrines of the Church.

Today: Do you readily submit your judgment to those who
r more experience than you, or do you assume the attitude of

54 CHARACTER CALENDAR

those who "know it all"? Unless they should tell you to commil
sin (which never happens), it is always wise to obey the counsels
of your elders.

Slogan: Experience holds an expensive school, but fools will
learn in no other.

March 27. ST. JOHN DAMASCENE, Confessor and Doctor

St. John was raised up by God to defend the veneration ol
images, at a time when the Emperor Leo the Isurian endeavored
to destroy it. Accused of betraying the Caliph of Damascus, h|
was condemned to have his right hand cut off. But his hand wai
miraculously restored, for he promised the Blessed Virgin that l»r
would use it in writing her praises. He kept his promise.

Thou hast held me by my right hand, and by Thy will Thou
hast conducted me, and with Thy glory Thou hast received me. •
Introit: Psalm Ixxii.

In Thee, therefore, O Lord, do I place all my hope and my
refuge; on Thee I cast all my tribulation and anguish; for I find
all to be weak and inconstant whatever I behold out of Thee.
Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: Ordered by the persecutors to have his right hand strut It
off, St. John prayed our Lady to heal him and he would use 1m
hand to write her praises. The hand was miraculously healed, and
St. John kept his promise.

Today: When you next pray for something that you want vert
badly, if you will do something that means sacrifice to yourscll
and does honor to God, you will feel how much more readily yom
prayer is heard.

Slogan: Shall we ever be asking and give nothing in return?

March 28. ST. JOHN CAPISTRAN

St. John was chosen by God to deliver Europe from Islam
Supported by the noble Hungarian, John Hunyades, he enrollpil
70,000 Christians. These improvised warriors had no other arim
but forks and flails. By their bravery John obtained the victory
of the Cross over the Crescent.

I will rejoice in the Lord; and I will joy in God my Jesus; tin
Lord God is my strength. — Introit.

MAKCH 55

Thou art my hope, my confidence, my comforter, and in all
•lungs most faithful. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: Through the prayers and following the suggestion of St.
John, 12,000 of a hostile horde were turned away from the city
• iiliout bloodshed.

loday: Tennyson says: More is wrought by prayer than this
world dreams of. It is said of St. Teresa that she converted by
Ml prayers as many souls as St. Francis Xavier baptized, and
R I are told he baptized a million. If you have a real desire to
Pi it missionary right now and want to help to spread God's king-
•I""!, do as much as you can now by prayer.

Slogan: More things are wrought by prayer than this world
Irriuns of. — Tennyson.

M-rch 29, SS. JONAS, BARACHISIUS, AND
COMPANIONS

I Miring the reign of King Sapor of Persia, these saints were
M»Ur<l and subjected to the most cruel tortures for their faith.
Whrn told to obey the king and to worship the gods, they replied
Ihtt it was more reasonable to obey the immortal King of heaven
■ "•I rurth than a mortal prince.

Courage was theirs which no mocking nor threatening
Daunted, nor all the inventions of cruelty
Broke, when the conquerors, strong under agony,
Crushed the power of the torturer. — Matins: Hymn.

Nothing is more acceptable to God, nothing more salutary for
III* in this world, than to suffer willingly for Christ. — Imitation :

I ileal: It is some time now since we have had a feast of a group
ll loday. There were eleven of them; like a football team with

l*n ro -captains, one of whom was St. Jonas. They would not
Mimw the game" for any price, but gave their lives willingly

(in llicir faith,

Vttday: Perhaps during Lent, after you have been particularly
i for a week or two, you felt you had a right to a little digres-
ikm There is no obligation to the little voluntary penances you
•jHilPrtake, as you know; but it does prove you just a little coward,
|«m It not, if you cannot hold out against yourself for six weeks,
II hmt you are supposed to be governing yourself for a lifetime?

Slogan: He that perseveres to the end, he shall be crowned.

56 CHARACTER CALENDAR

March 30. ST. JOHN CLIMACUS

While still young, St. John had achieved such a reputation for
learning that he was called the Scholastic. He gave up what
promised to be a brilliant career and retired to a solitude on Ml
Sinai. Other young men came to him, for whom he founded »
monastery and wrote Climax, or Ladder of Perfection.

He that hath clean hands and a pure heart, who hath not liftod
up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully unto his neighbor,
he shall receive a blessing from the Lord. — Matins: Psalm xxiii

I am He that in an instant elevateth the humble mind to com
prebend more reasons of the eternal truth than if anyone had
studied ten years in the schools. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: This is the fourth saint in succession by the name of John
He had a very, very bright mind and a splendid opportunity to
make a name for himself, but he left all to become a monk in
the desert; he was sixteen at the time he entered the desert.

Today: The monks said of St. John that there never was a morr
docile monk than he. Sometimes when students are especially
bright, they get the mistaken notion that they know more than
their parents. That very fact betrays ignorance.

Slogan: Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

March 31. ST. BENJAMIN, Deacon, Martyr I

During the persecution of Christians in Persia, St. Benjamin
was imprisoned for a year. An ambassador, after having promLw
that St. Benjamin would not speak of religion to the courtier*,
obtained his release. But Benjamin refused to be bound by a prom
ise to which he had never given his consent. He was cruelly tor-
tured to death.

Whosoever shall confess Me before men, him will I confess alw
before My Father. — Lauds: First Antiphon.

Because if thou die with Him, thou shalt also live with Him
and if thou art His companion in suffering, thou shalt also be llii
companion in glory. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: The story of the martyrdom of St. Benjamin is too toi
rible to record. He died after over a year of constant inhuman
torture.

Today: The last day of March and tomorrow is All Fools' day,

MARCH 57

» you know. Whether anybody else fools you or not, look back
i.vrr the past long month of wonderful days and see if you have
i mi haps fooled yourself. If you have reason to think you have
BCe well, thank God for it and make April a banner month.

Slogan: There is no standing still in the spiritual life; not to
iilvunce is to go back.

APRIL

April 1. ST. HUGH, Bishop

The blessing of God rested visibly on the labors of this saint
As Bishop of Grenoble, he transformed his whole diocese. Relying
on the Pope's tacit consent, he resigned his bishopric and retired
to a monastery. But the Pope put him under obedience to resume
his duties as bishop. Some time before his death he lost hl|
memory for everything except his prayers.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faitli
ful over a few things. I will make thee ruler over many thinp,
enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.— First Responsory.

The greatest saints shunned the company of men when tln-v
could, and chose rather to live unto God in secret. — Imitation
Book I.

Ideal: St. Hugh was especially privileged by God from Mi
early childhood. He had very holy parents and so he grew up III
great love of God. In obedience to the Holy See, he became a
bishop later but begged to be released from the burden that hi
might spend his last years in solitude and retirement.

Today: Do you crave being in the "limelight"? If you happej
to be in a group today that is discussing the topic on which yotl
have some information you would love to^ give, just look i I
and say nothing unless you are asked, and if you are asked mi
opinion, try to give it with the air of "you could all teach me a
great deal" in your tone.

Slogan: A fool's heart is on his tongue.

April 2. ST. FRANCIS OF PAULA, Confessor

When 13 years of age, St. Francis retired into the desert ami
led such a holy life that numerous disciples soon came to plafl

58

APRIL 59

themselves under his guidance. He then founded the Order to
which in his humility he gave the name of Minims, the least
In the house of God.

In his words there was a wonderful charm ; he kept his virgin-
lly always inviolate; he was so great a lover of lowliness that he
nwd to call himself the least of all. — Second Nocturn: Fijth
l.rsson.

O Lord, I have called upon Thee, and have desired to enjoy
Phce, and am prepared to reject all things for Thy sake.—
Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: At the tender age of 13, St. Francis entered the desert
lo live a hermit's life. It was not unusual in those days for young
men to go into the desert when still quite young.

Today; It is certainly unfair to think that we would begin
•rrving God when we are old. Give to God your love from a
-iing heart, serve Him with the enthusiasm only young people
liiivc. The Apostles whom our Lord chose were comparatively
voiniR men, all of them. Our Lord loves young people, because
Ihry are so awake to His wants, so eager to serve One Whom
llicv love. Those who return His love are nearest Him, Get on
llir inside row!

Slogan: As the twig is bent, the tree's inclined. — Pope.

April 3. ST. RICHARD OF CHICHESTER

A* Bishop of Chichester, St. Richard showed himself a zealous

hrpherd of souls. The strict economy of his own household en-

iMcd him to give abundant alms. He had great charity for the

»li lc and the poor. He often excused the debts of those who

mvnl him money.

A I the point of death he caused an image of Christ suffering
lo he brought to him, and commended his soul to his Redeemer.
Matins; Sixth Lesson..

!.<»ve often knoweth no measure, but groweth fervent above
••II measure. — Imitation; Book III.

Heal: A successful farmer, then a learned priest, then a
lil hop, finally chancellor to the king, Richard was all kindness
In those in need, but stood like a wall against the king when
Hir latter encroached on the rights of the Church.

Today; St. Richard had lived so careful a life that people came

60 CHARACTER CALENDAR

to feel that when Richard was doing a thing, it was right. Do
your classmates ever think of you in such terms? For instance,
when there is question of a movie, and they are not so certain
whether the picture is good morally or not, does your going or
not going mean to them that it is good or otherwise, becausr
you are the kind of person who has high standards and livci
up to them?

Slogan; So let your light shine before men.

April 4. ST. ISIDORE, Archbishop

Lowly, meek, merciful, careful to restore the laws of Chris
tianity and the Church, unwearied in establishing the same 1>v
his word and by his writings, St. Isidore shone in all graces. II.
founded monasteries and colleges. He himself taught in the latter

Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels. Thou haul
crowned him with glory and honor, and madest him to hav«
dominion over the works of Thine hands. ■ — M Otins: Psalm viil

Dart forth Thy lightning, and disperse them: shoot Thy arrowi,
and let all the phantoms of the enemy be put to flight.
Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: St. Isidore was a bishop, during which time he wroU
a book on what a bishop should be and how he should live,
all of which the saint himself practiced.

Today; When you write your English today, or when you
chance to say that you feel you owe so much to your good
parents and to your school, just check up on yourself, and m
how much of that you really mean. Actions speak much loudn
than words.

Slogan: If to do were as easy as to know what to do, «
had long since become saints.

April 5. ST. VINCENT FERRER

Every day St. Vincent fasted. He preached every day and re
fused no one his holy and just advice. He often laid his handl
on the sick and they recovered. He cast out unclean spirits, awl
made the deaf to hear, the dumb to speak, and the blind to we

Lord, Thou deliverest unto me five talents; behold, I huvi
gained five more. — First Responsory: Verse.

APRIL 61

Principally, therefore, refer all things to Me; for it is I that
li nvc given thee all. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: St. Vincent was a great preacher; the topic of his
irrmon was most often, "Arise, ye dead, and come to judgment."
Uv impressing upon the mind of his hearers the thought of the

• •■■lung judgment, he brought about many conversions.

Today: Suppose an angel were to tell you this morning that

imiiKht at seven you would be called away by death, what would

you do? You may be called before that time, or very shortly

•Hrr; in any case, it is well worth your while to be ready. "Thou

I'.ilt not know at what hour I will come to thee." — Apoc. Hi. 3.

Slogan: Be ye therefore ready, for at what hour you think
Rot, the Son of Man will come.

April 6. ST. CELESTINE, Pope

St. Celestine's reign is noteworthy for the condemnation of the
hrrrtic Nestorius. It was St. Celestine who sent St. Germanus to
Britain and St. Paladius to Scotland. Many authors of the life
Dl St. Patrick say that that apostle likewise received his com-

'ion to preach to the Irish from St. Celestine.

Let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice, O Lord, for
ii.. hi hast blessed the righteous; Thou has compassed hirn with
ITiy favor as with a shield. — Second Noctwrn: Second Antiphon.

Study, therefore, so to live now, that in the hour of death

• mm mayest be able rather to rejoice than to fear. — Imitation:
tt»ok I.

Ideal: St. Celestine was a Pope whose whole reign was a
Miittimial combat against heresy, but the saint was undaunted,
liW only object being truth and right.

Today: When about to do or not to do certain things, never
the thought "What will people say?" influence your decision
I he only thing that ever counts is "What is right in this case
•ml what will God think?"

Slogan: Know you're right; then go ahead.

April 7. BLESSED HERMAN JOSEPH

messed Herman Joseph was devoted to the Blessed Virgin in
| vrry special manner. As a child, he spent much of his play-

62 CHARACTER CALENDAR

time in the church near the statue of the Blessed Virgin wherr
he received many favors. Once our Lady took an apple from
Herman which he offered her in pledge of his love. His com
pamons called him Joseph because of his love for Mary.

Thy suppliant people, through the prayer

Of the blest saint, forgive;

For his dear sake Thy wrath forbear

And bid our spirits live. — Lauds: Hymn.

By two wings is man lifted above earthly things; viz., by
simplicity and purity. — Imitation; Book II.

Ideal: This dear young saint is too charming for words. You
know the story of his bringing an apple to the Infant Jesus, dfl
you not, and our Lady reaching down to accept it?

Today: Read the life of this sweet and simple saint; you will
like it certainly. Try to establish in your own life a personal rell
tion with our Savior and His Blessed Mother. Of course, you
cannot see them when you go in to talk things over with them,
but you cannot see your mother either when you speak to her
by telephone, can you?

Slogan: Lord, I believe; help Thou my unbelief,

April 8. ST. PERPETUUS, Bishop

St. Perpetuus had a great veneration for the saints, and respod
for their relics, adorned their shrines, and enriched their church™
As Bishop of Tours he labored by zealous sermons and wholesonin
regulations to lead souls to virtue.

I -will come into Thine house: I will worship toward ThlW
holy temple in Thy fear. — Second Nocturn; Psalm v.

I am the Rewarder of all the good, and the mighty Prover <>l
all the devout. — Imitation; Book HI.

Ideal: The principal devotion of this saint was to the relio
of the saints. He built larger the church of St. Martin to a<
commodate the many worshipers.

Today: We venerate anything that George Washington evrr
used or touched, and rightly so. Read very carefully in your
Catholic Worship the portion on Veneration of Relics; you should
be well informed on such topics that you may give intelligent
answers to inquiring non-Catholics.

APRIL 63

cuost? n '' Know you not that you are **" tem P les of the Ho, y

April 9. ST. MARY OF EGYPT

Mary of Egypt was a public sinner for seventeen years. She
" cnt on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and with the crowd was about
'•■ enter the church where the True Cross was kept. An in-
JBble force prevented her from entering. Touched by the grace
hi Uod, she admitted her sinfulness, entered the wilderness and
illil penance.

I '.ivor is deceitful and beauty is vain; a woman that feareth
ine Lord, she shall be praised. — Prime : Chapter.

To be without Jesus is a grievous hell; to be with Tesus a
Iwect paradise. — Imitation; Book II.

Ideal: When still quite young, Mary left her father's home

i . J m f A '- ve a I,fe of sin w 'thout restraint. At a festive
. j- H> ration held m a certain church, Mary wished to enter the
i lurch with the rest but was held back. The realization of her
llntulness dawned upon her and she lived a strict life of penance
' • • her death.

Today: Mary of Egypt was converted by turning in prayer to

Lad y- Our Blessed Mother never forsakes anyone who has

-■nurse to her, and when turning to her in prayer, strive to

< as our holy Mother would have us live. If you have not
j.lopied the practice already, make it a life's habit to say the
null Mary three times each day.

Slogan: Blessed is he that watcheth daily at My gates.
kpril 10. ST. BADEMUS

St. Bademus founded a monastery in Persia. He led his reli-
H'..iis on the path of perfection in all sweetness, prudence, and
Imrily. To crown his virtue, God permitted him to be taken
oner and tortured for his Faith. He was beheaded.

will liken him unto a wise man who built his house upon
■ rock. — Vespers: Antiphon. F

In l he Cross is salvation; in the Cross is life: in the Cross
'• pi election from enemies. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: While waiting for martyrdom a traitor to the Faith

64 CHARACTER CALENDAR

was admitted into his cell to dispatch him with a sword. Badc-
mus was so patient to the several wounds inflicted by the un
fortunate fellow Christian that persons standing about ^ wen-
moved to acknowledge the beauty and power of the Faith ol
Bademus.

Today: Open-minded non-Catholics will be moved to inquire
into your Faith far more on account of your good example than
for any other reason. It is a dreadful responsibility to have on
one's soul to have discouraged even one soul's conversion by oui
bad example.

Slogan: Nor knowest thou what argument, thy life to n
neighbor's creed has lent. — Emerson.

April 11. ST. LEO THE GREAT

When the terrible Attila, "the Scourge of God," was at the
gate of Rome, St. Leo went out to meet him and prevailed upon
him to turn back. Attila later admitted that he saw two ven-
erable personages on each side of the Pope and impressed by
these, he had withdrawn.

He hath made him a blessing unto all nations, and hath estab
lished His covenant upon his head. — Second Responsory.

In all this, I beseech Thee, let Thy hand govern and teach
me, that I may in no way exceed. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: When this Pope read his message at the general council,
the assembled bishops cried out in one voice "Peter has spokni
through Leo."

Today: Do you readily acknowledge greatness in others? Dd
you like to hear others praised? Do you ever want to say sonir
unkind thing when you hear another praised? When someone clsa
is praised in your presence, are you quite willing to add another
favorable compliment? Search out your mode of thinking undel
this head today.

Slogan: Lord that I may know Thee; that I may know m<\
that I love Thee and despise myself. — St. Augustine.

April 12. ST. JULIUS, Pope

Like so many other popes at that time, St. Julius labored all
his lifetime to exterminate heresy. He struggled against the Ariani
despite their threats against his life.

APRIL 65

Thy Martyr, he ran all valiantly o'er

A highway of blood for the prize Thou hast given.

— First Vespers.

luch a one is conqueror of himself, and lord of the world, the
Irlcnd of Christ, and an heir of heaven. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: Like many of the early bishops, St. Julius fought a
• •instant battle for the Faith against the Arians in 352.

today: Do you get a thrill when you think that you are a
member of a family that dates back to 352 and even back to
Iho first century? And, oh, to have our Lady for mother, Christ
loi brother, God for father, and heaven for home! As you walk
nlmitt today, keep saying prayers of thanksgiving in your heart
*ll (lie while.

Slogan: My soul doth magnify the Lord. — Magnificat.

April 13- ST. HERMENEGILD, Martyr

1 1 rrrnenegild, though an Arian, married a Catholic and became
h i (invert His father on hearing the news had him imprisoned.
flii Easter Day an Arian priest entered his cell and offered him
i n don if he would receive communion from him, Hermenegild
h (lifted and knelt with joy for the death stroke.

rhen shall the just stand with great constancy against those
Hint have afflicted them and taken away their labors. — Epistle;
hunk of Wisdom.

Oh, how many and grievous tribulations did the Apostles
luffar, and the martyrs, and confessors, and virgins, and all the
' who resolved to follow the steps of Christ. — Imitation;
ok I.

Ideal: The son of a heretical father, Hermenegild became a

i liiintian and was in consequence put to death upon the order

l Iks own father, for whom the martyr prayed even when dying.

prayer converted his father, who strove to do what he could

In luirig his kingdom back to the true Faith.

/ oday; The prayer of the dying St. Stephen gave to the world
Mm Klorious St. Paul; the prayer of Hermenegild was instru-
rntiitul in bringing a kingdom to the Faith. Pray for the conver-

h of sinners, even if you never know the definite persons who
been converted by your prayers; you will meet them in

H'MVrn,

66 CHARACTER CALENDAR I

Slogan: He that shall convert one sinner from his evil ways,
shall save his own soul from death.

April 14. ST. JUSTIN, Martyr ' I

As a pagan philosopher, St. Justin examined the pagan philo
sophical systems and found only error and false wisdom. Then
he examined the word of the Crucified God and became a Chris
tian. He became celebrated especially by two Apologies whi.li
he had the courage to address to the persecuting emperors.

Thou hast crowned him with glory and honor, O Lord. And
madest him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands.
Matins: Verse and Answer.

Jesus Christ alone is singly to be loved; for He alone is found
good and faithful above all friends. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: When Christ promised that the "gates of hell would
not prevail against the Church," that promise was God's own
promise. You note that always when persecution arises, then
are great leaders in the Church who defend the Church's can .
and lead her children to safety.

Today: Pray for perseverance in your faith. We are told th.it
we must earn this latter grace; that God grants it to those only
who ask it.

Slogan: Lord, increase our faith.

April 15. ST. PATERNUS, Bishop

St. Paternus founded monasteries and built churches for (lir
greater glory of God. Some false brethren having created n
division of opinion among the bishops of the province with
respect to St. Paternus, he preferred retiring rather than afford
any ground for dissension.

This is the faithful and wise steward, whom the Lord settrih
over His family. — Secret.

In silence and quiet the devout soul maketh progress, and
learneth the hidden things of Scripture. — Imitation: Book I.

Ideal: Rather than cause dissension among the bishops, Patei
nus preferred to go into solitude.

Today: When somebody says a certain thing happened laM
Tuesday when you know it was on Monday, do you keep on

APRIL 67

Insisting until you have your way? Philosophize! What is the
'lillrrcnce? In nonessentials, the wiser man always gives in.
lie wise!

Slogan: Saying a thing is when it is not, never makes it be.

Vpril If. EIGHTEEN MARTYRS OF SARAGOSSA

St. Optatus and seventeen others were martyred on the same
•In v. On this day the Church also celebrates the Feast of Encratis.
In order to escape marriage, this saint fled from her father's

M ' t0 Saragossa where the persecution was hottest. She was

Plied and put to death.

As gold in the furnace hath the Lord tried His chosen ones
Md received them forever as burnt offerings. — Second Antipkon.

He is gone before thee, carrying His cross, and He died for
lire upon the Cross, that thou mayest also bear thy cross and
Imvp to die on the cross. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: This is the first group we have had in April. Teachers
i-.ik sometimes of this or that class as "that splendid crowd of
nil and such a year." So very much depends upon the leader
' u class.

Today: If you know from past experience that you are not
■ fender, then be a good follower, that is, know whom to follow.
vnu can be a leader, lead your group to fine and noble things
(lit'se saints today were led.

Slogan: I am a part of all I have met.

April 17. ST. ANICETUS, Pope and Martyr

i hough St. Anicetus did not shed his blood for the Faith, he
nffrircl and endured untold dangers. He preserved his flock from
hi'rrny and brought comfort to those in pain.
Novcna for the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel begins.

An.cn, amen, I say to you, that you shall lament and weep,
nil the world shall rejoice; and you shall be made sorrowful,
I your sorrow shall be changed into joy. — Gospel: John xvi.

" or He manifestly exhorts His disciples that follow Him and
that desire to follow Him, to bear the cross saying: "If any
limn will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his
and follow Me." — Imitation: Book II.

68 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Ideal: This saint gave his life for Christ very near the day on
which we commemorate our Savior's death. He had only shortly
before helped to establish a fixed time for the keeping of Easter,

Today: We should all be copies of Christ. Could anybody
trace resemblances in you? Would anybody not knowing, gucw
from your actions that you are even a Catholic?

Slogan: Imitation is the highest form of compliment.

April 18. ST. APPOLLONIUS, Martyr

This saint was a noted Roman citizen who became a Christian
A slave reported his conversion to the emperor. St. Appolloniui
was ordered to give up his religion or sacrifice his life and
fortune. The saint courageously rejected these terms of safely
and was beheaded.

If any man serve Me, him will My Father, Who is in heaven,
honor. — Lauds : Antiphon,

Whoever is not willing to suffer all things, and to stand resigned
to the will of his Beloved, is not worthy to be called a lover.—
Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: Another martyr! There is a veritable halo of martyrs
about Eastertime, when we keep the greatest feast of the year,
the Resurrection of the King of Martyrs.

Today: Oh, to belong to the bodyguard of the King! To have
Him point me out in the crowd about and say "I want you In
My immediate personal guard of men." Could you have the heail
to say "Perhaps later on"?

Slogan: I want to be a soldier in the force of Christ, my KinK

April 19. ST. ELPHEGE, Archbishop

When the Danes sacked the city of Canterbury, St. Elphege w:u
carried off in expectation of a large ransom. St. Elphege would
not permit his people to raise the ransom money but preferred
to remain in prison rather than deprive the poor of the littlo
they had. In fury the Danes put him to death.

For lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready thrii
arrows in the quiver, that they may privily shoot at the upright
in heart, — Matins: Psalm s.

APRIL 69

Let the least be to thee as something very great, and the
"••lit contemptible as a special favor. — Imitation: Book III.

html: St. Elphege was taken prisoner and when his friends
• lied to raise money to buy his freedom, he chose rather to
" mum m a dungeon than to impoverish still more the poor.

Today: The poor are easily imposed upon. When someone tells

mi of how cleverly he fooled this or that person and "they never

I iipw it," if you havf not courage enough to express your con-

Miipt, at least, do not show your approval; and — don't ever

1 • me same.

Wagon: Oppression of the poor — a sin crying to heaven for
■ iijc<*ance.

April 20. ST. MARGELLINUS, Bishop

SI. Marcellinus preached the Gospel with great success in the
■■'ir.liborhood of the Alps. By his example as well as by his
rHt W0I "ds he won many of the heathens for Christ. Burning

"I. zeal for the glory of God, he sent Vincent and Domninus
( - i" each the Faith in those parts he could not reach.

Iliis is he who wrought great wonders before God, and the
holn earth is full of his teaching. May he pray for all people,
Mi il I heir sins may be forgiven unto them! — Sixth Responsory.

i onsider each thing as flowing from the Sovereign Good and
Mm "lore all must be returned to Me, as to their origin. — Imita-
n Book III.

Ideal: Are you amused at the variety of names of the different

ilnlH? Just as varied as the names, are the saints themselves.

»U see, they were people just like ourselves, and no two of

ore just alike either, nor will we be alike when we are

lied saints.

i ■ulay: A saint? One who does his duty as God wishes him
do it. A saint may be a farmer, student, druggist, clown in

,,s ' teacher, priest, Sister, hermit, merchant, lawyer, ferry-

nmi, cobbler, policeman, fireman, anything. One thing — to do
duty as well as he reasonably can for God.

Slogan: I would be a saint. — St. Scholastica.
Will it. — St. Benedict's answer.

70 CHARACTER CALENDAR

April 21. ST, ANSELM, Archbishop ol Canterbury

The life of this bishop was a constant struggle against the Kin«
of England in defense of the rights of the Church. Accused oi
disloyalty to the King, he replied: "If any man pretends that I
violate my Faith to my King because I will not reject the Holy
See of Rome, let him stand forth, and in the name of God I will
answer him as I ought." No one took up the challenge and all
present sided with the saint.

O right excellent teacher, light of the Holy Church, St. Anselm,
blessed lover of the Divine Law, pray for us to the Son of God
— Antiphon.

Let there be nothing great, nothing high, nothing pleasant,
nothing acceptable to thee but only God Himself, or what comes
from God. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: As far back as 1109 St. Anselm was teaching Latin to
members of the English court and introducing them to the liter
ature of the Greeks and Romans.

Today: You know how much you despise people who show
off when they think they know a little more than those about
them. Profit by their example and do not do the same, partir
ularly with your own parents; be very careful never to pretcinl
superiority if you are getting a better education than they havr.
You understand you would not be able to read if it were not
for your good parents looking after your education and keeping
you alive.

Slogan: Honor thy father and mother that it may be well
with thee.

April 22. ST. SOTER AND ST. CAIUS, Popes, Martyrs

By the sweetness of his discourses, St. Soter comforted all
persons with the tenderness of a father, and assisted the indium
with liberal alms, especially those who suffered for the Faith
Caius, whose relics are kept in the sanctuary of St. Sylvester al
Rome, governed the Church a century later and was put to
death in 296.

O ye saints and righteous, rejoice in the Lord. Alleluia! God
hath chosen you for His own inheritance. — Vespers,

APRIL 71

For divine charity overcometh all, and enlargeth all the powers
"i the soul, — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: Each of these saints was a Pope and gave his life for
hift Faith. But you know what Sir Galahad said: "If I shall
1 <■ my life, I shall find it/' meaning that if one gives one's
physical life for the cause of God, one finds eternal life.

Today; Have you ever heard your father, perhaps, or your
nlclcr brother talking about different employers in town and say-
ing, "He's a fine boss, he pays his men well"? And everybody
likes to work for such an employer. No employer on earth pays
«» high wages as God does. For the least service, He has Him-

II promised "a hundredfold." Work for Him only, regardless
"I who your intermediate foremen are.

.Slogan: Thousands at His bidding speed o'er land and sea
without fail.

A, uil 23. ST. GEORGE, Martyr

In his youth, St. George chose a soldier's life, and soon ob-
Uincd the favor of Diocletian. But when the emperor began to

1 rcute the Christians, St. George rebuked him and threw up

il commission. He was in consequence tortured and beheaded.

I years rolled by, St. George became a type of successful combat

i| iitnst evil, the slayer of the dragon, the darling theme of

imp and story.

Lord, Thou hast compassed him with favor as with a shield.
Vespers.

Kveryone, therefore, should be solicitous about his temptations,
pud watch in prayer, lest the devil find opportunity to catch
him; who never sleepeth, but goeth about, seeking whom he may
1 vour. — Imitation: Book I.

html: Since St. Sebastian, this is the first outstanding soldier
Mint we have had. And don't you admire a fearless soldier when
I- m at the same time a man; that is, one who fights successfully

hi battles in his own soul? St. George is always represented

laying a huge monster.

Today: Pray to St.^ George for power against temptation, and
■ Hi to know that it is not the number of stripes on your sleeve
( '"f mark your distinction as a soldier, but the victories your
Milld chalks up won on your own private battlefield.

72 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Slogan: His strength was as the strength of ten because ha
heart was pure. — Tennyson, of Sir Galahad.

April 24. ST. FIDELIS OF SIGMARINGEN, Martyr

St. Fidelis was at first a lawyer and took so much Interest in
the poor that he was called "the advocate of the poor." He be-
came a Capuchin. He had a tender love for the Mother of God
After a sermon delivered at Sevis, he was attacked by Calvinisli
and stabbed to death.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. -
Third Responsory.

Rare indeed is a faithful friend who will persevere in all tin-
pressing necessities of his friend. — Imitation: Book HI.

Ideal: The mayor of a city for a time, this saint became n
Capuchin and begged that he might be sent among those who
would, in return for his service, give him the palm of martyrdom,
for he wished to die for Christ Whom alone he loved. His with
was granted and he was stabbed to death.

Today: Fidelis means faithful, and such this saint was. H;ivp
you ever noticed how well nicknames fit the person to whom
they are given? What name would fit you best? Be honest willi
yourself. If your guardian angel who is with you all day wen
to be unkind enough to name you rightly, what would he call you/

Slogan: Come, thou good and faithful servant, enter into tin
joys of thy Lord!

April 25. ST. MARK, Evangelist I

St. Mark, the disciple of St. Peter, is one of the four EvariKf
lists, who wrote, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, Ml
abridgement of the life of Jesus. His narration begins with thr
mission of St. John the Baptist whose voice was heard in the
desert; he is represented with a lion at his feet.

O God, Who didst exalt blessed Mark, Thy evangelist, by th.
grace of preaching the Gospel, grant, we beseech Thee, thai
we ever profit by his erudition, and be defended by his prayer
— Collect.

Thanks be to Thee, O Lord Jesus, Light of eternal Light, fo|
the table of Holy Doctrine, which Thou hast ministered to \\%

APRIL 73

Thy servants, the Prophets and Apostles, and other teachers.—
Imitation: Book IV.

Ideal: Did you see the picture "King of Kings"? Then you
..■member the little boy whom our Lord cured of lameness. St.
Murk was a disciple of St. Peter and his Gospel is really a record
"I the facts which he learned from St. Peter.

Today: How ready are you to help further an enterprise which
"i yourself have not initiated. Suppose a member of your class
[Wests "Let us get up a program for our English period on

Jlils or that author" are you tempted to say to somebody else
So-and-so does love to order us around" or do you go right

Ifl work and say "Fine! What can I do?"

Slogan: The dog in the manger could not eat the hay him-
ii, but neither would he allow the horse to have it.

April 26. OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL

The devotion of Our Lady of Good Counsel is spreading rapidly

"Kh the Church. It originated in Genazzano, a village in the

♦ii'lKlihorhood of Rome, where an Augustinian church, in which
••"shrined a miraculous picture of our Lady, has been for
phi unes a place of popular pilgrimage.

Let us all rejoice in the Lord, celebrating a festival day in

'" oi the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Good Counsel, in

!'■'<• solemnity the angels rejoice and give praise to the Son
il <;od. — Introit.

H.ippy is he whom truth teacheth by itself, not by figures and
l ' ling sounds, as it is in itself. — Imitation: Book I.

Idtal: You should know the story of this feast. Look for the
Mine Genazzano in the Catholic Encyclopedia now and you will
"I ' very fine account.

I oday: We pray to Our Lady of Good Counsel for advice as

What we should do in important issues. Pray to her today

particularly for the grace of knowing what to do for a life's

•<•!< It would be an excellent thing to put your vocation and

« future success entirely in the hands of Our Lady of Good

mind.

Slogan: Mother, tell me, what am I to do.

74 CHARACTER CALENDAR

April 27. ST. PETER CANISIUS, Confessor and Doctor
of the Church

The feast of this saint was extended to the Universal Church
in 1926. He was born in Holland and spent his missionary life in
Germany. By his eloquent preaching, by the foundation of several
colleges, by the missions intrusted to him by the Sovereign Pontiff,
he stopped the progress of Protestantism and caused Catholic liffl
to flourish.

God, Who didst strengthen blessed Peter Thy Confessor, for
the defense of the Catholic Faith: grant in Thy mercy, that by
his example and teaching the erring may be brought to repentance,
and the minds of the faithful remain firm in the confession o
the truth. — Collect.

1 s ^ al ) h ^ve, moreover, for my consolation and a mirror of life,
Thy holy books, and above all these, Thy most holy Body foj
my special remedy and refuge. — Imitation: Book IV.

Ideal: St. Peter Canisius believed that Catholics would livr
better and be better able to defend their Faith if they themselvm
knew it better. Therefore, he arranged the main truths of oui
faith in a system of question and answer, from which we haw
our present-day catechism.

Today: Unless you know your faith and continually study ii,
you will not be able to answer the questions that arise in youi
own mind, nor those that others put to you.

Slogan: The greatest need of the Church today is intelligenl
laymen who can explain their Faith.

April 28. ST. PAUL OF THE CROSS

The 81 years of this saint's life were modeled on the PasaloJ
of Jesus Christ. When a little boy, a heavy bench fell on hli
toot. He spoke of the wound as a "rose from heaven." St Paul
founded the Order of the Passionists. He died while the Passion
was being read to him.

When His holy one called, the Lord heard him, and gave hill
peace. —Matins: First Antiphon.

Then all the servants of the Cross, who in their lifetime, him

APRIL 75

■ .informed themselves to Him that was crucified, shall come to
I linst their Judge with great confidence. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: The Passionist Order of priests was founded by this
Mint who established the Order that he might thus propagate
.l.votion to the Passion of our Lord.

Today: Suppose you were sentenced to be executed tomorrow
nt ten and somebody, a good friend of yours, offered to take
four place that you might go free, could you ever forget such
kindness? And suppose that friend was God? That is your case
wactly ; think about it today, and since you cannot really thank
Him as He deserves, at least, refrain from insulting Him.

Slogan: He loved me and delivered Himself up for me.

A pril 29. ST. PETER OF VERONA, Martyr

St. Peter was a Dominican who preached against the heretics

M Lombardy and converted many. Once when exhorting a vast

• r«wd in the burning sun, the heretics defied him to secure shade.

' \ cter , Prayed and a cloud overshadowed the audience, thus

i'i nving his Creator's protection.

May the Sacraments of which we have partaken defend Thy
iiiihful people, O Lord, and by the intercession of blessed Peter,
Hiv martyr, insure them safety against all the attacks of their
inrmies. — Postcommunion.

Do, Lord, as Thou sayest, and let all wicked thoughts fly from
1 lore Thy luce. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: Born of heretical parents, Peter became a Dominican

' 8 P ent hls »fe working against the heretics. It is said that he

in y-r committed a grievous sin. People who claim to know far
'"""■ ll ' an the Y really do know, will tell you that it is impossible
l» no through life without grievous sin. Know from the example
l l Ins saint and, God grant, from your own life, that it is possible
I llli <>ods help which we can obtain through prayer.

Today: Listen carefully to every bit of instruction given you,

™ y° ur Iesson s well, when you are told of some weakness

nf character you have, be grateful and set about trying to
rriiRthen your character along those lines, that, like Cyrano de
"■M-rrac, you may carry unsullied to God's throne the white
1 "-r of your virtue.

76 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Slogan: If any man love Me, My Father will love him and
We will come and dwell there.

April 30. ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA

In her childhood, St. Catherine chose Jesus for her Spouse.
Subjecting her delicate body to severe mortifications, her only
support during prolonged fasts was Holy Communion. She n
ceived the stigmata from her Crucified Lord. It was by bfl
persuasion that Gregory XI left Avignon to return to Rome.

In the virginal fragrance of the virtues of blessed Catherine,
whose feast day we are keeping, together with the Saving Victim
to be laid upon Thine altar, may our prayers, O Lord, mounl
on high to Thee. — Secret.

I am He that in an instant elevateth the humble mind to com
prehend more reasons of the eternal truth than if anyone bad
studied ten years in the schools. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: She was a member of a very large family, which wan
probably one of the main reasons for her sanctity. Boys and girl!
who have many brothers and sisters learn at home to be un
selfish, to be kind, to be forebearing, which virtues an only
child does not learn so readily.

Today: Perhaps you are very courteous and gentle willi
strangers and friends but cross and pettish with your brothen
and sisters at home. Resolve to be on your best manners tl
home where nothing can be too good for those who love you
as only they do.

Slogan: Whatever brawls disturb the street, there should l>r
peace at home;
Where brothers dwell and sisters meet, quarrels should
never come.

MAY

M*y 1. SS. PHILIP AND JAMES, Apostles

St. Philip was one of the first chosen disciples of our Lord.
«>u the way from Judea to Galilee our Lord found Philip and
Itld: "Follow Me." Philip straightway obeyed. On the dispersion
■ •I the Apostles among the nations, St. James was left as Bishop
• ■I Jerusalem. The Jews so venerated his purity, mortification, and
prayer, that they called him "the Just."

Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, also in Me.
In My Father's house are many mansions. — Vespers: Antiphon.

oh, how many and grievous tribulations did the Apostles suffer,

■ml the Martyrs, and Confessors, and Virgins, and all the rest

in* resolved to follow the steps of Christ. — Imitation: Book L

Ideal: These two of the Twelve have their feast together as
Rlfiion and Jude have theirs in October. This James is not the
•mi of Zebedee, however, whose feast is in July.

Today: Instead of wasting your time wishing you had lived
*l l he time of our Lord, go right over to church or stop there
mi your way home this noon and thank our Lord for living next
iloor, where you are sure to find Him at any time, rather than
l»vc you go to Bethsaida and find He had gone with His disciples
|m Jerusalem.

Slogan: Behold I am with you all days.

Mty 2. ST. ATHANASIUS, Doctor

St. Athanasius was one of the chief defenders of the Church
« nit Inst Arianism. Though firm as adamant in defense of the Faith,
Im was meek and humble, pleasant and winning in converse,

77

78 CHARACTER CALENDAR

beloved by his flock, unwearied in labors, in prayer, in mortifica-
tions, and in zeal for souls.

O God, the rewarder of faithful souls, grant that we obtain
pardon by the prayers of blessed Athanasius, Thy Confessor and
Bishop, whose venerable festival we celebrate. — Postcommunion.

The saints that are highest in the sight of God are the least
in their own eyes ; and the more glorious they are, the more
humble are they in themselves. — Imitation: Book //.

Ideal: Athanasius was continually hounded by the Arians whose
schemes God averted each time in favor of the saint. One time
the Arians were on board the same ship with Athanasius and
about to board another ship in pursuit of him whom they hopril
to find on the other ship. Athanasius shouted to them, for they
did not know him: "He is very close to you." Thinking he wan
on the other ship they rushed away leaving the saint perfectly
safe and satisfied.

Today: If you put your trust in God, and cease worrying, jus!
trust in God and depend upon Him to take care of you, He will
not forsake you, provided you endeavor to serve Him meanwhilr
as well as you can.

Slogan: He is at too great a hazard who places not his trust
in God.

May 3. THE FINDING OF THE HOLY CROSS

At the beginning of the second century, Hadrian had discovered
Calvary and the Holy Sepulchre under a terrace on which had
been erected a statue of Jupiter and a temple of Venus. St. Helen
ordered them razed to the ground, and, digging up the soil, they
discovered the Nails and the Cross. The miraculous cure of .1
woman authenticated the True Cross.

Cross, brighter than the stars, famed throughout the world,
lovely unto men, of all things the most holy, who alone waal
worthy to bear the ransom of the -world. — First Vespers:
Antiphon. 1

In the Cross is salvation; in the Cross is life; in the Cross in
protection from enemies. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: You know that the Romans after sacking the city of
Jerusalem had built temples and statues to their gods over tho

MAY 79

holy places. St. Helena spared neither time nor wealth to dis-
cover the True Cross of our Savior.

Today; Read up the account of the finding of the Holy Cross
And ask to give a report on it at class today. You will be honor-
ing our Lord, St. Helena, and yourself, and you will be doing
your class a great favor.

Slogan: We adore Thee, O Christ, and bless Thee, because by
lliy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

May 4. ST. MONICA

Born in Africa, St. Monica married a pagan, whom she con-
vrrted by her virtues. Having become a widow she devoted her-
Adf to her son, Augustine, whose mind was corrupted by heresy
And whose soul was steeped in sin; for about eighteen years she
prayed and then saw her sorrow changed into joy.

And when He came nigh to the city, behold a dead man was
tarried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. —
(iospcl; St. Luke vii.

Learn now to die to the world, that then thou mayest begin
to live with Christ. — Imitation: Book I.

Ideal: St. Monica illustrates the fruits of persevering prayer.
The fact that she prayed and suffered for eighteen long years
ihould prove to us how difficult it is to win back for God a soul
that has let itself go freely into sin.

Today: If you are praying for some person's conversion, do not
lose courage; pray on, practice little acts of mortification for the
mime intention; know that you are doing a work most pleasing
lo God.

Slogan: He that shall convert one sinner from his evil way, shall
Anve his own soul from death.

Mny 5. ST. PIUS V

It was through the prayers of this Holy Pontiff to the Mother
■ -I God that the Christian forces were victorious over the Ottoman
forces at Lepanto. He was famous for his intrepid defense of the
Church's faith and discipline, and for the spotless purity of his
own life.

80 CHARACTER CALENDAR

His glory is great in Thy salvation: Honor and great majesiv
shalt Thou lay upon him. — Third Nocturn: Psalm xx.

If there be joy in the world, truly the man of pure head
possesseth it. — Imitation: Book IL

Ideal: An energetic, particularly energetic Pope was Pius V
Everything that concerned the Church, especially divine worship,
was of interest »to him.

Today: If you have not a Missal, ask your teacher if som*
could be ordered for the class and get one. Nowhere else will
you find the beauty that is to be found in the Liturgy. While Ce( II
De Mille was making the film "King of Kings" he witnessed a Holy
Mass, and said he had never witnessed anything half so exquisttn

Slogan: Rather one day on Thy courts, O Lord, than to dwell
among thousands.

May 6. ST. JOHN BEFORE THE LATIN GATE

The Emperor Domitian caused St. John to be brought to Romi
and condemned him to be plunged into a caldron of boiling o|]
But St. John by a striking miracle, came forth from the tormonl
more healthy and vigorous than before.

This is the disciple whom Jesus loved, who leaned on the Lord"
breast at supper. — Third Responsory.

Although thou shouldst have been rapt to the third heaven will*
St. Paul, thou art not thereby secured that thou shall suffer im
adversity: I, said Jesus, will show him how great things he mufj
suffer for My Name. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: St. John suffered the pains of martyrdom right outubli
the city of Rome, but he did not die, as you know. Today th|
Church keeps the feast commemorating his martyrdom,

Today: When your baby sister draws what she calls a pictun
and gives it to your mother saying "Mother, I drew this pictun
for you, and you are the only one who may have it," voul
mother hugs her and loves her — for what? Because she had thl
intention ,to please her very much. We cannot do anything really
worthy of God, but, like little children, we can draw our awll
ward pictures and give them to Him, our loving desire to plfiUI
Him shining in our soul all the while.

Slogan: Our heart is restless until it rests in Thee.

M AY 81

May 7. ST. STANISLAUS, Bishop, Martyr

Stanislaus, born in Poland, was made Bishop of Cracow. He
became an object of hatred to Boleslas II, whom he reproached
for his tyranny and dissolute life. One day, while he was saying
Mass, the prince rushed at him and slew him.

O God, in defense of Whose honor the glorious Bishop Stanis-
luus fell before the sword of the wicked; grant we beseech Thee,
[feat to all prayers put up to him, there be vouchsafed in all full-
ness the wished for answer. — Collect.

The greatest saints shunned the company of men when they
lould, and chose rather to live unto God in secret. — Imitation:

lUrok L

ideal; When his enemies tried to institute court proceedings
.» tinst this saint unlawfully, he called to witness a man who was
ilfiid several years. The dead man came from his grave and bore
witness, to the false accusers' confusion.

Today: St. Stanislaus was a priest. There is this sentence in
Holy Scripture "Touch not My anointed." God punishes almost
in. mediately and severely even in this life any irreverence to His
priests. Resolve today never to say or do the least thing ever
in slightly disrespectful to priests.

Slogan: Touch not My anointed.

M..y 8. THE APPARITION OF ST. MICHAEL THE
ARCHANGEL

8t. Michael appeared in Italy on the summit of Monte Gargano,

ir the Adriatic. He requested that a sanctuary should be erected

In liim where God should be worshiped, in memory of himself

mid nil the angels, and this place became celebrated on account

••I numerous miracles.

Thus we praise with veneration

All the armies of the sky:

Chiefly him, the warrior Primate

Of celestial chivalry:

Michael, who in princely virtue

Cast Abaddon from on high. — Vespers: Hymn.

82 CHARACTER CALENDAR

If in the angels Thou hast found depravity, and hast not spared
them, what will become of me? — Imitation: Book HI.

Ideal: There are two feasts of St. Michael. You recall we had
one in September. Persons who say that the people "thought" they
saw this vision may be distrusted when they make a statement
on anything they claim to have seen, for it is certainly as easy
to "think" one saw another person laughing at us as to think
one saw an archangel.

Today; By this time you have probably established so clow
an intimacy with your angel that you need no further encouragfl
ment. That is fine. Keep it up always!

Slogan: He hath given His angels charge over thee.

May 9. ST. GREGORY NAZIANZEN

On account of the extraordinary depth of sacred learning whhli
this saint had acquired, he is called "the Divine." He and Si
Basil were great friends. He was a graceful poet, a preacher al
once eloquent and solid.

He was one of the latest champions of the doctrine that thl
Son is of one substance with the Father. No one has ever won
greater praise for goodness of life, neither was any man mor|
earnest in prayer. — Matins: Sixth Lesson.

He attributeth nothing of good to any man, but referreth it nil
to God, from Whom, as from a fountain, all things proceed, ami
in Whom, as in their end, all the saints repose in fruition.
Imitation: Book I.

Ideal: St. Gregory was a Father of the Church, a great friend
of St. Basil. It is said of them that they knew only two pathl,
one to church and one to school.

Today: These two saints had an influence for good upon each
other. So have you an influence upon those with whom you spend
much time. What is your influence? Are your friends better or
worse for their association with you?

Slogan: Birds of a feather flock together.

May 10, ST. ANTONINUS, Bishop J

At the age of 16 he entered the Order of St. Dominic. Haviim
become Archbishop of Florence, St. Antoninus excelled in hb

MAY 83

Btfitoral office by the austerity of his life, his charity, and his
imrerdotal zeal. His prudence earned for him the title of Antoninus
uf Counsel.

I have laid help upon one that is mighty, and have exalted one
thosen out of My people; for My hand shall help him. — Fifth

Hrsponsory.

Peace, therefore, is not in the heart of the carnal man, nor in
Ihe man who is devoted to outward things, but in the fervent
Hid spiritual man. — Imitation: Book L

ideal: At the age of 16, Antoninus entered the Dominican Order,
|nd spent in that congregation a life of great virtue and sanctity.

Today: The great majority of the saints served God from their
Youth. Those who put off their improvement .till later may find
that there is no later for them.

Slogan: Here and now is your opportunity; do now.

May 11. ST. MAMERTUS, Archbishop

St. Mamertus was the first to institute the Rogation Days.
Ilirough his prayer a fire that threatened to destroy the city was
^ languished. The saint took occasion of .this miracle to instruct
the people on the necessity and efficacy of prayer.

In the midst of the congregation did the Lord open his mouth.
\«mI filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding. —
/ iyjuh Responsory.

The kingdom of God is peace and joy in the Holy Ghost: which
U nat given to the wicked. — Imitation: Book I.

Ideal: When the Rogation Days are kept, will you think that
Hit* saint is responsible for their institution? Their purpose is
largely to ask God's blessing on the crops.

today: You think nothing of sitting down at table and hav-
hu< bread or vegetables, etc. Will you try to imagine a time

Itrn there would be no food? There would be none at all were
II not for God's goodness to give fertility to the soil. So, when
Ihi* Rogation Days come around, pray, and pray hard for God's
ii. .sing on the crops that you may not starve.

llogan: That Thou wouldst give the fruits of the earth and
inrnerve them, we beseech Thee to hear us.

84 CHARACTER CALENDAR

May 12. EPIPHANIUS, Archbishop

The guiding principle of this saint's life expressed in his own
words was this: "God gives not the kingdom of heaven, but on
condition that we labor; and all we can do bears no proportion
to such a crown."

The world and all its boasted good,

As vain and passing, he eschewed ;

And therefore, with angelic bands,

In endless joys forever stands. — Lauds; Hymn,

A lover of Jesus and the truth, a true interior person, who li
free from inordinate affections, can freely turn himself to God,
elevate himself above himself in spirit, and enjoy a delightful
repose. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: A very zealous monk, he spent most of his time in tlw
desert. Though a very learned man himself, he chose a guide in
spiritual matters, St. Hilarion, and lived entirely by his direction.

Today: Can anybody "'tell you anything"? Or do you know
very well how to take care of yourself? When people boast of the
ability to take care of themselves, they usually betray their help
lessness.

Slogan: Few know how much one must know to know how
little one knows.

May 13. ST. JOHN THE SILENT

In order to shun sins of the tongue this saint spoke seldom and
then only with moderation and great discretion. One night after
he had been consecrated Archbishop he received a divine in-
spiration to enter the seclusion of a monastery. There he lived
unknown, fetching water, carrying stones, and doing other menial
work.

The Lord guided the just in right paths and showed him the
kingdom of God. — Lauds: Verse and Answer.

If thou wilt withdraw from superfluous talking, and idle visit
ings, and from hearing new things and rumors, thou wilt find
sufficient and proper time to spend in meditation. — Imitation;
Book I.

Ideal: St. John was born of a noble family; but the legend
goes on to say "he derived from his parents a much more Ulu.v

MAY 85

trlous nobility than that of their pedigree." If you are tempted
|o regret that your parents are not descendants of this general,
|l that secretary of state, or this other president of the richest
•li jartment store in the world, say with our own former President
I <<kson "My parents were honest folks; I'd rather be their son
[hnn be the son of some rich villain who could trace his ancestry
l..uk to the flood."

ioday: Appreciate your parents. You need not tell them how

<iv much you love them, etc. But you should make them feel

Unit after God, you know they are your dearest friends in all

the world, and that you know they are the finest parents any

Boy or girl could have.

Slogan: How dear to my heart are the scenes of my childhood
When fond recollection presents them to view.

M-y 14. ST. PACHOMIUS, Abbot

Aitracted to the Christians by their charity and goodness,
l\nliomius, a pagan, became a Christian, Eager to live the perfect
lllr, he became a solitary. An angel gave him a rule of fife by
Bii his of which he led many in the way of perfection.

Ulrssed is the man that is found without blemish, and hath
mil gone after gold, neither hath put his trust in riches, nor in
iinisure. Who is he and we will call him blessed? For wonderful
IhlnKS hath he done in his life. — Lauds: Chapter.

1 1 thou aim at and seek after nothing else but the will of God
mil thy neighbor's benefit, then shalt thou enjoy interior liberty.
Imitation: Book II.

tdeal:^ Pachomius was a heathen who was a member of a troop

"I ftoldiers who accidentally came upon some men who, as

I iiomius was told, were Christians. He inquired what the word

■ lirislian meant and became a monk, and is one of the great

tints of the desert.

Today: That was no accident that Pachomius should meet
*hw Christians; it was God's direct plan. So, in your life, when
i l< >*ant things happen, don't take them for granted; know that
1 •<■»! has put those things in your way to make you happy; when
►lilliculties come your way, He sends those, too, to see if you
love Him.

Slogan: Man must be tried by fire as gold in the furnace.

86 CHARACTER CALENDAR

May 15. ST. JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE, Confessor

Because of his virtue, his gentle nature and the keenness of fab
mind, St. John was a general favorite. His love for young people
inspired hirn to found the congregation of the Brothers oi the

Christian Schools. ««,,.. i_

Novena for the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians begun

And Jesus calling unto Him a little child, set him in the midll
of them and said: "Amen I say unto you, unless you be con
verted and become as little children, you shall not enter tlm
kingdom of heaven." — Go spel: SL Matthew xvin.

For thus one and the same and unshaken can he stand, direct
ing, through all this variety of events, the single eye of his uten
tion unflinchingly .toward Me. — Imitation; Book III.

Ideal: Always very popular among the youth of his day f 01
his gentle disposition and his virtue, St. John founded a religion,
order of teachers, called the Christian Brothers, or the Broth.. >
of the Christian schools. The Order has flourished and exists m
large numbers in our country. You probably know several ol
these splendid teachers yourself.

Today: Whether you ever intend to become a religious teachoi
or not, pray for "laborers in the vineyard." Will you think today,
too, of what you would be doing if your teachers, or St. John
Baptist had been as selfish as you are and had thought only nl
themselves? Will you not think of others and do something (oi
them that they may enjoy the blessing of a Catholic education
as you do?

Slogan: Do unto others as you would have others do unto yog

May 16. ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE I

St John was the chaplain to the court of King Wenceslatm
Among those who sought his advice was the empress. The kiim
tried to extort her confession from the saint. The saint was silnil
When the king found that neither threats nor blandishments movoil
the saint, he ordered him to be thrown into the river.

The Lord hath given me a tongue for my reward, and wilt
it I will praise Him. I said: T will take heed to my ways tM
I sin not with my tongue. — Introit.

It is easier to keep silence altogether than not to fall Intfl
excess in speaking.— Imitation: Book L

MAY 87

Ideal: You know the story of St. John's refusal to betray the
i i rets of the confessional. Let it be an assurance to you should
vi m ever be tempted to conceal anything of importance in the
MH-rcd tribunal.

Today: If you wanted very much to speak to your father by
f'lrphone, would you stop long to consider whether the 'phone
pre a desk 'phone or an old shabby looking one on the wall?
When we go to confession, we must think we are speaking out
»ur soul's sickness^ to the Divine Physician through the priest

ho is merely the instrument. In our own small minds, we some-
times pass judgment on the priest, forgetting that he is doing
u« 11 deed of mercy to act as our means of communication with
|i us Himself.

Slogan: Whose sins you shall forgive they are forgiven; whose
•in* you shall retain, they are retained.

MMy 17. ST. PASCHAL BAYLON

Ah a child St. Paschal tended sheep on the hiUs of Aragon. At
Iai age of 24 he entered the Franciscans as a simple lay brother.
Hi love and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament induced him
| remain for hours on his knees in prayer. Unlettered as he was,
Iff drew such stores of wisdom and learning from prayer that
In was counted by all a master in theology and spiritual science.

I) (iod, Who didst imbue blessed Paschal, Thy confessor, with
Wiimlrous love of the sacred mysteries of Thy body and blood;
li mIi us, like him, to draw fatness of soul from this divine
1 inquet. — Collect.

" here is not anything that I can present to Him more acceptable
Hi mii to give up my heart entirely to God, and closely unite it
| •• llim. — Imitation: Book IV.

Ideal: Paschal was devoted to the Blessed Sacrament all his
lie has been assigned as patron of the Eucharistic Congresses.

Today: Will you think for about five minutes today of what

ii would do without the Blessed Sacrament? Can you think of

|t Holy Mass, no Benediction, no Holy Communion? Why, you

-.•mIiI lose your mind not to have anybody who really under-

<l to whom you could .tell your little worries.

Hfogan; I could not do without Him: Jesus means more to me
Than all the nearest, dearest things on earth could
ever be.

88 CHARACTER CALENDAR

May 18. ST. VENANTIUS

At the aee of IS, St. Venantius was led before Antiochus. He
was made To suffer cruel torments, but angels came and assisted
Mm. Hh -tormentors were touched with repentance by hi.
constancy and many were converted.

Most humbly we entreat Thee, O Lord that Jhe prayers i*
blessed Venantius, Thy martyr, may avail towte»TJ
forgiveness and favor, whom Thou has fed with the Sacramu.l
of Life Everlasting. — Postcommumon.

Ideal: St. Venantius was beheaded about A.n. 250 for refusing
to give up his Faith.

Today: The only penalties threatened you £r Bvi»S up^ to youi
faith are an occasional sneer, or it may be later on a f oritur
of vour position, but, understand that God will not be outdo...
t iZrSZ, and if 'you endure hardship rather. Umn djsplea:,
Him, He will see to it that you are compensated in due time.
Slogan: God is the reward of them that trust in Him.

May 19. ST. PETER CELESTINE, Pope

Bom in 1221, he retired into the desert while still young 11 i»
virtueT soon drew disciples to him and he founded the Celestin.,
At the age of 72, he was forced to leave his solitude and assunj
the responsibilities of the Papacy. Believing himself incapable ol
filling this high office, he resigned.

Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased God, and win
found iust^ and in the time of wrath he was made a reconoli.
tion. — Epistle: Book of Wisdom.

Esteem not thyself better than others, lest, perhaps, thou I"
accounted worse in the sight of God, Who knoweth what is i»
man. — Imitation: Book I.

Ideal: St. Peter was a Benedictine, who wished to escape th#
honors of the world. Nevertheless, he was forced from his sohtu-ln
and elected Pope.

Today: If you have noticed, those who desire honors and attMl
tion so very much usually end by drawing upon Aemselves con
tempt It if as our Lady sang "The mighty He hath thrust dowfl
from their seats and exalted the humble.

MAY 89

Slogan; He tha,t humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Mny 20. ST. BERNARDINE OF SIENA

This saint renounced all his wealth and became a humble son
ill St. Francis. Traveling through town and villages, everywhere
Im preached the name of Jesus and thereby wrought many
mlrncles.

Lord Jesus, Who didst imbue blessed Bemardine, Thy con-
Ipwor, with wondrous love of Thy name: moved by his merits
hfid prayers, graciously pour forth, we beseech Thee into our
lifwrts, the spirit of love of Thee. — Collect.

Light perpetual! transcending all created lights, dart forth
,l "' light from above, which may penetrate all the secret recesses
Bl the heart. — Imitation: Book III.

Heal: The burning love of this saint was for the holy name

I lesus. He had it emblazoned on a tablet which he kept
■ posed in ,the pulpit whenever he preached.

Today: What would you do if you heard some wicked men
laying ugly things and using your mother's name? If you were
liltf enough you might attack them, and even if you were not big
Mtotigh, the love for your mother would arouse your anger so
llml you would attempt almost anything. Even Catholic boys —
aim! shocking it is to say — sometimes girls use the holy name

II I «us irreverently. There is nothing to be said about it. It is
Imply beyond understanding.

Slogan: At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow.

M«v 21. ST. HOSPITIUS, Recluse

Hi. Ilospitius shut himself up in an old tower near Villafranca.
Hi practiced the severest austerities and lived on bread and water.
Hi had the gift of prophecy and foretold the ravages which
Ihi Lombards would make in Gaul. These barbarians, upon dis-

ii i ring the saint, threatened to kill him. God protected him and
noldiers retired.

Lo, a servant of God who esteemed earthly things but

little
And by word and work laid him up treasure in heaven.

— Antiphon.

1 mi when the grace of God cometh to a man, then is he power-

90 CHARACTER CALENDAR

ful for all things; and when it departeth, then is he poor and
weak, and left only as it were to scourgings. — Imitation: Book II

Ideal: St. Hospitius left the world to live alone. When some
soldiers invaded his tower they thought him a prisoner who had
been bound there; he acknowledged that he was a great sinner,
but they could not harm him, because God prevented.

Today: Perhaps you do not mind saying disparaging thinx*
about yourself from time ,to time; but how do you feel aboul
it if somebody else says those very things about you; or even
believes what you are saying? You dislike that; that is an
evidence of a kind of silly pride.

Slogan: O wad some power the giftie gie us

To see oursels as ithers see us, — Burns.

May 22. ST. RITA OF CASCIA, Widow I

St. Rita (Margarita) after eighteen years of married life, loftt,
by death, her husband and her two sons. Called afterward to thn
religious life, she professed the Rule of St. Augustine at Casein
In a lifelong and terrible malady her patience, cheerfulness, and
union by prayer with Almighty God, never left her. She is ,ll.«
saint of "Impossible Cases."

I am the flower of the field, and the lily of the valley
As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the
daughters. — Epistle: Book of Wisdom.

But they that love Jesus for Jesus' sake, and not for the saki
of some consolation of their own, bless Him no less in tribulation
and anguish of heart than in the greatest consolation. — Itniln
tion: Book II.

Ideal: The mother of a family, Rita lost by death her husband
and her two sons. She then entered an order of Augustinian Nun*
and lived there in great sanctity. She suffered intensely from n
miraculous wound in her forehead. Devotion to St. Rita Inn
been revived in the past century.

Today: Pray for courage when sufferings come, and for resign .
tion in difficulties. Try to learn to take things as they com*
You must anyway, you might as well be gaining merit b
doing so-

MAY 91

Slogan: Be ye lords or emperors, the world keeps turning re-
K'lrdless of your wishes.

May 23. ST. JULIA, Virgin, Martyr

St. Julia was a noble virgin, who was sold into slavery. Her
master treated her with the greatest kindness, and Julia, on her
!" '\ Se J7 ed , the hou sehold with the utmost care. Her master took
per to Gaul on one of his voyages. She was captured by a pagan
ind upon refusing to give up her Faith, she was tortured and
hung on a cross till she expired.

Come, O My chosen one, and I will establish My throne in
thee for the King hath greatly desired thy beauty. —First
hrsponsory. J

Let me love Thee more than myself, and myself only for Thee,
ind all others in Thee, who truly love Thee, as the law of love
...inrnandeth, which shineth forth from Thee. -Imitation. ■
nook III.

I Uc f: T ^ on f h °[ noble ori 8M- Julia was sold as a slave. Re-
Urned to her lot, she proved so faithful that her master trusted
allowed her every liberty in the practice of her Faith.

today: You see how philosophic the saints were; if they met
iv ii h an accident that deprived them of one hand, they were grate-

i ' l T aS v 0t I l° ot they had lost ' etc - If il rai °s when you had
pil nned a baseball game or a hike, be grateful it was not a tornado.

Slogan: For them that love God, all things work together unto

ii.

May 24. OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS

Pope Pius V, after the famous battle of Lepanto in which the
nrfttians gained a signal victory over the Turks, ordered that

•h l he Litany of Loretto this Queen of Heaven should be styled

imong other titles, "Help of Christians."

Ofttimes when hemmed around by hostile arms,
The Christian people lay all sore dismayed,
Faith's eye hath traced the Virgin gliding down,
To lend her loving aid. — Vespers: Hymn.

And the more thou wtthdrawest from creatures, the sweeter

92 CHARACTER CALENDAR

and the more powerful consolations wilt thou find in Me. —
Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: This feast is very similar to the Feast of Our Lady in
September. But this whole month is dedicated to our Lady
Surely, you have thought of that, have you not? This bulletin
has never reminded you fearing to offend you by mentioning any
thing that must be taken for granted.

Today: Do not allow your devotion to our Lady to assume
the air of a mere fascination for school children. Let it be some
thing that becomes a part of your life, so that later on in your
law office or at your desk or while preparing a meal or gettinn
ready to go out on the stage, you will form the habit of saying,
a Hail Mary and "In your honor, dear Mother": you will be
ever so much more successful if you do that.

Slogan: Show thyself my Mother.

May 25. ST. GREGORY VII, Pope

Probably no Pope since the time of the Apostles undertook
more labors for the Church or fought more courageously for her
independence than Pope Gregory VII. While he was saying Maw
a dove was seen to come down on him. The Holy Ghost thereby
bore witness of the supernatural views that guided him in tin*
government of the Church.

When His holy one called, the Lord heard him, yea, the Lord
heard him and gave him peace. — Antiphon,

Bless and sanctify my soul with heavenly benediction that il
may be made Thy holy habitation and the seat of Thy eternal
glory; and let nothing be found in the Temple of Thy divinity
that may offend the eyes of Thy Majesty. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: This Pope lived a life of martyrdom on account of the
constant battling with princes who encroached on the rights of
the Church. Though he might have won the friendship of then
princes by giving in, he remained steadfast in what he knew
to be right.

Today: You may be called a "dead one" and other names for
not doing all that the crowd does, or because you obey the rule*
your parents set down for you; but, do not mind. Even a dead
fish may swim downstream; it takes a very live one to struggle
against the current.

Slogan: Run not always with the herd.

MAY 93

May 26. ST. PHILIP NERI

St. Philip left everything to serve the Divine Master and
1 minded the Congregation of the Oratory. He would spend whole
Bights in the contemplation of heavenly things. He loved young
men: "Amuse yourself," he said to .them, "but do not offend
(iod."

My heart grew hot within me and in my meditations a fire
•hull flame forth. — Gradual.

Oh, if one had but a spark of real charity truly would he feel
that all earthly things are full of vanity. — Imitation: Book I.

Ideal: This interesting saint should be well known. You would
mjoy reading his life; it is full of interesting anecdotes and of
ft wonderful interest in neglected little boys, who had no one to
lake any interest in them or plan fun for them.

Today: After you will have read St. Philip's life, perhaps you
will feel like working out a scheme for fixing up a place where
■ liildren who have no place to play could come to play with some
Older person taking care of them.

Slogan: Whatever you do for the least of these My brethren
you do unto Me.

Mny 27. ST. BEDE, Confessor and Doctor of the Church

Horn at Yarrow in Northumberland, St. Bede entered the
Benedictine monastery at a very early age. The wisdom and
imrtion of the Holy Ghost are evident in his manifold writings.
Mr was one of the most learned churchmen of the eighth century.

right excellent teacher, light of the holy Church. St. Bede,
hlrsacd lover of the Divine Law, pray for us to the Son of God.
- Antipkon.

If thou wouldst persevere dutifully and advance, look on thy-
1 II as a pilgrim and an exile upon the earth. — Imitation: Book I.

Ideal: You read of this man in your literature. He was an
pftrly English writer; he translated large parts of the New
I rstament.

Today: Are you not more and more fascinated to note that
no matter what your hobby is, there is no line of work in which
ou cannot serve God, save your soul, and become a saint.

94 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Slogan: Do thy duty, that is best;

Leave unto the Lord the rest.

May 28. ST. AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY

St. Augustine was sent to England by St. Gregory. Received by
the English king, Ethelbert, at Canterbury, the capital of the
kingdom, he built a monastery there and later established their
his episcopal seat. The example of his life brought the king ovn
to the true Faith and St. Augustine baptized over 10,000 English
men on Christmas day.

Brethren, we had confidence in our God to speak unto you
the Gospel of God in much carefulness. — Epistle: Thess.

The sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with
the future glory which shall be revealed in us. — Imitation:
Book HI.

Ideal: This is the apostle of England. He was sent there wit 1.
40 monks to convert the island. St. Gregory sent them, thoiwh
he would have loved to go himself.

Today: Thank God today for the gift of faith. Had not sonil
missionaries brought the Faith to the ancestors of your parentt
you would not be a Catholic today. You can hardly imagine
what it means not to have the true Faith.

Slogan: Lord, Thou hast blessed us and filled us beyond all
our meriting.

May 29. ST. MARY MAGDALEN OF PAZZI

At the ape of 10, St. Mary Magdalen consecrated her virginity
to Christ, Whom she chose as her Spouse. She took the Carmelitl
habit and subjected herself to the severest mortifications. H«l
motto was: "Suffer and not die." She received many divine
revelations.

O God, the lover of chastity, Who was pleased ,to kindle In
the heart of blessed Mary Magdalen, the virgin, a fierce fire ol
love for Thee, and to endow her, moreover, with heavenly gifttl
we beseech Thee, enable us, who keep this feast day, in her honor,
to strive after purity and charity like unto hers. — Collect.

If. in the beginning of thy religious life, thou dwell in it ami
keep it well, it will be to thee afterward as a dear friend and
most delightful solace. — Imitation : Book I.

MAY 95

Ideal: This is not the penitent who washed the feet of Jesus,
DUt a nun who chose the name of Mary Magdalen when she
became a nun. She loved her convent so much and was so glad
to be there that she frequently would kiss the walls.

Today: Do you think that queer for a woman to kiss the walls
"I her convent? What do you think of women who shower their
Iflections on a poodle or an Airedale?

Slogan: I have chosen to be an abject in the house of my God
nther than to dweU among thousands.

Mty 30. ST. FELIX

This saint commanded Masses to be said over the tombs of
martyrs, and it is in remembrance of this prescription that the
miles of martyrs are placed in a small cavity of the altar stone.
Mr was martyred under the persecution of Aurelian.

Thou hast loosed my bond, I will offer to Thee the sacrifice of
Huiiiksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.—
\r\prrs; Psalm cxv.

Thou art my glory, Thou art the exultation of my heart.—
Imitation: Book HI.

Ideal: St. Felix is the Pope who first ordered the celebration
-I Mass over the .tombs of the martyrs. From that time the
"*tom of having some relics in the altar stone began as well.

Today: Find out today from your pastor what relics are in
Im altar stone of your church; then, look up the life of that
Mini. Perhaps It is one whom you already know about.

Ihgan: The bodies of the saints are in the hands of God.

Mty 31. ST. ANGELA MERICI, Virgin

'The disorders of society," St. Angela used to say, "are caused

(hose m families; there are few Christian mothers, because the

Munition of young girls is neglected." She formed a new society

'•"- I he education of youth. She placed it under the patronage of

M Ursula.

Novcna for the Feast of Mother of Divine Grace begins.

May the sacrifice, O Lord, which we offer Thee in remem-
m< <• of blessed Angela, both implore for us the pardon of our
Iniquity, and procure for us the gifts of Thy grace. — Secret.

96 CHARACTER CALENDAR

But they that follow Thee, by the contempt of worldly things
and the mortification of the flesh, are found to be wise indeed;
for they are translated from vanity to truth, from the flesh to
the spirit. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: St. Angela founded a religious order of women whom she
called Ursulines, thus to conceal her own connection with their
establishment; this she did out of humility.

Today: Most of us like to get credit for what we do; there is
nothing wrong about that either; but, of course, there is morr
virtue in being retiring and humble.

Slogan: Not to us, O Lord, but to Thy name be glory.

JUNE

''me 1. ST. JUSTIN, Martyr

«S § ^JgSl W " fa *' UW ° f "* Lord ^ ""» ■**-
Thou , oughtest then, to recall the heaviest sufferings of others
iZlZTl^nr *» **"*** things tfou ,uSS2

i Mkt , JuSti 1- ha , d f not the opportunity of knowing the true
l«lth early m his life as you have. We who have lived as Cath

l^abo^ ^the a tSh. realiZe ^ * ~ * ^431
r^day; This begins the month of the Sacred Heart The rW«

U love and to whom a disappointment means so much P *

i -ike" you L ° Ve Hfm Wh °' When aU othere faa ^«. *m will not

' "... 2. ST. POTHINUS AND COMPANIONS, Martyrs

! ' to y I'ft 1 "!* thC «* rsecution of ^e Christians, many were
1 " t0 death - Amon 8 th ese were Pothinus, Sancius, Attalus!

97

98 CHARACTER CALENDAR I

Blandina, and others who preferred torture and death to IV
slightest compromise on the question of religion.

God shall wipe away all tears from the eyes icf . Hfe satota, , and
there shall be no more sorrow, nor crying, neither shall [there hi
any more pain; for the former things are passed away.-Fi"»
Responsory.

Take courage, therefore, and be valiant, as well in doing U
in suffering things repugnant to nature. -ImtoUon: Book III.

Ideal: Another group of saints! How wonderful Jese , crow J
and crowds of lovers of Christ! But .He ^had f Said When I shall
be lifted up, I shall draw all hearts to Myself." And He does.

Today; Let your conduct during this month be such that per
sons about you may be inspired to devotion to the Sacred Hon
Y™ know His promise: "Those who spread this devotion shall
have their name written in My heart, never to be effaced.
Slogan: I have loved Thee with an everlasting love.

June 3. ST. CLOTILDA, Queen

St Clotilda's wit, beauty, modesty, and piety made her thl
idol of 'toe court Clevis, king of the Franks, won her in marnaw
He! sweetnei of disposition, her tactfulness, and her P^yer con-
verted this warlike king. St. Clotilda was m every way a mo, I, I
wife and mother.

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your
good wTks and glorify your Father Who is in heaven. -TAW
Nocturn: Eighth Lesson.

The perfect victory is to triumph over oneself. - Imitation
Book III.

Ideal: This charming queen is the ^^J^S^tSn-
to know. Clovis, the king, was converted by her clever und.
standing of how to "manage" her affairs.

Today It was mainly by her ability to make allowances lot
thfSiar nature of different people that won over her husband
to a love fo? the Faith that made his beloved Clotilda so swrrt
and Sent Pious and holy. Genuine piety makes us consider*
of others, not selfishly wrapt up in ourselves.

Slogan: I strove to become all things to all men that I mlgbl
win the more to Christ. — St. Paul.

JUNE 99

June 4. ST. FRANCIS CARACCIOLO

St. Francis is noted for his ardent love for Jesus in the Blessed
Nitcrament. He founded the Order of Clerks Regular, who took
i urns in perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Francis
*M commonly called the Preacher of Divine Love.

Gentle was he, wise, pure, and lowly hearted,

Sober and modest, ever foe to strife,
While in his frame .there flowed as yet unparted

Currents of life. — First Vespers: Hymn.

Grace walketh in simplicity, turneth aside all appearance for
Ivil, offereth no deceits, and doth all things purely for God, in
Whom also it resteth as its last end. — Imitation; Book HL

Ideal: Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament is closely coupled
with devotion to the Sacred Heart, for devotion to the Sacred
llrart is devotion to .the love of Christ.

Today: Using terms that we more readily understand, we may
v that the Sacred Heart in the Blessed Sacrament beats with
|ny when the church door opens and you dash in even if for just
|wo seconds to say "I stopped in to say I love You, Lord, and
l tun thinking of You all the while. We are having a test in
blitory this afternoon, and I would like to do well. I shall drop
In after school to tell You of it."

Slogan: Even if a mother should forget her child, yet will not
I forget Thee.

luno 5. ST. BONIFACE, Bishop, Martyr

St. Boniface was the apostle of Germany. His zeal for the salva-
llon of souls knew no bounds. Bavaria, Thuringia, Friesland, Hesse,
inrl Saxony became Christian through his efforts. Fearing that he
mlicht lose the coveted crown of martyrdom, he chose to bring
Iho Gospel to the most savage German tribe where he was
I'.utyred.

I am the true vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in
Mr, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. — Sev-
fith Responsory,

Son, as much as thou canst go out of thyself, so much wilt
ilinu be able to enter into Me. — Imitation: Book III.

100 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Ideal: Like St. Patrick, this saint was .not of : the nation whi. h

among whom he labored.

Slogan.: Holy God, we praise Thy Name.
June 6. ST. NORBERT, Bishop and Confessor

Called to a life of perfection by an extr ^^gffSZ
t n*A Qf Mnrhprt chose a retreat in a aesert spvj. ^

one thousand, with prudence and zeal.

seed among his people. - Second Responsory.

in their holy company. —lm*atw» : Boo* JK.

M: You certainly know the ,*«■ .Father, as thenar.
called, because, they wear a wh.to habit. Tta ^

Premonstratensians. You will look up o u
find the account of his institution of this Order.

IVHfay: You will learn of the accident that turned the ,.
In St Norbert'a life. Learn to see a W^^f^aH
to be accidental in your hfe; learn to know »« „,„

permits all things for your good. If they 00 Ug« wu
way, it is because you do not use them correctly.

»p.: To them that love God, all thing, work together anil
good.
June 7 ST. ROBERT OF NEWMINSTER

£S*S8iB5S&&&

JUNE 101

■i initialize his brethren. Our Lord in person accepted his sacrifice.

Grant, then, that we, O gracious God,

May follow in the steps he trod;

And freed from every stain of sin,

As he hath won, may also win. — Lauds: Hymn,

They were given for an example to all religious; and ought
more to excite us to advance in good, than the number of the
lukewarm induce us ,to grow remiss. — Imitation: Book /.

I 'leal: St. Robert became the abbot of a large monastery, where
hU example served to retain all the monks in good discipline.

Today: Your companions dislike being preached at as much
hi you do, but if they see you doing your duty and attending to

("iir duty as you should they will be inspired to do the same.
t vou hustle about this evening at home, somebody will ask
Why the rush?" If you inform them that you are trying to get
In Mass each morning during June, and doing a bit of the morning
<ilc ahead of time, you will be spreading devotion to the
irrcd Heart.

ihgan: Actions speak louder than words.

lunt 8. ST. MEDARD, Bishop

Ht. Medard was noted for his compassion for ,the poor. With
'I- mi he shared all he owned even to his garments. As bishop he
Irmtcd the custom of crowning as May queen the most
■'• riving girl of the village.

1 1 leased is everyone that feareth the Lord, that walketh in His
Hpl> — " Vespers: Psalm exxvii.

I became the most humble and most abject of men, that thou

Klj hirst overcome thy pride by My humility. — Imitation :
k III.

ItUntl: St. Medard was a bishop in France. He himself had
1 1'liwn St. Remigius, who had baptized Clovis. You note his con-
llim with our lovely devotion to Mary, as Queen of May.

Vmlay: Two devotions should go with you into life: devotion
our Lady and devotion to the Sacred Heart. Cultivate those
| devotions during your school life; no one will encourage

II i ich day as you are being encouraged to those things now.

in: Devotion to the Mother must necessarily be bound up
Hh <l<-votion to the Son.

102 CHARACTER CALENDAR

June 9. SS. PRIMUS AND FELICIAN, Martyrs

Primus and Felician were Romans. Brothers by blood, they
became brothers still more when they were called upon to testily
to their Faith. After having been tortured, they were led to till
amphitheater, but the lions who were to devour them crouchci
at their feet. They were beheaded.

Feast of the Mother of Divine Grace.

This is the true brotherhood which overcame the wickednrs.
of the world; it followed Christ, attaining the noble kingdom ol
heaven. — Gradual.

He who would be too secure in the time of peace will often
be found too much dejected in the time of war. — Imitation;
Book III.

Ideal: Felician was nailed to a tree through hands and fed
and left thus for three days. Since this did not end his Me, M
was beheaded.

Today: Should this kind of persecution arise what would yofl
do? If you have a chance to cheat in a test what do you dor"
Suppose you sit behind a student who always knows his work,
do you ever copy?

Slogan: He that is faithless in little is faithless in that which
is great.

June 10. ST. MARGARET, Queen of Scotland

Filled with the fear of God, St. Margaret brought the kiiii-..
her husband, to a better life and her subjects to more Christun
morals. She brought up her eight children with such piety thai
several became religious. Her charity toward her neighbor w«|
admirable. She was called the mother of orphans.

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchantman, seekinii
goodly pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great pri< I
gave up all that he had and bought it. — Antiphon.

Happy they who penetrate into internal things, and endcavoi
to prepare themselves more and more by daily exercises for tbl
receiving of heavenly secrets. — Imitat ion: Book III.

Ideal: Another charming queen like St. Clotilda, St. Margar.sl,

JUNE 103

WIS the mother of eight children, several of whom became very
My. She was loved by her subjects whom she inspired to a good
Ufo by her own lovely example. The last six months of her life
were spent m intense suffering, which purified from the least
■imn her beautiful soul.

Today: There are members of your class whom you yourself
•""sider quite holy; why not you?

Slogan: If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride.
June 11. ST. BARNABAS, Apostle

A Rood man and full of the Holy Ghost, St. Barnabas evangel-

■ r. ; during twelve years, with St. Paul, the pagans in the island

( yprus and in a great number of towns and countries. Sepa-

■ lied trom bt. Paul, he returned to Cyprus where he was stoned
i" death.

They stand before ,the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and
Mms m their hands. They are all filled with light. — Third
■ Iwnsory. ^

He that liveth without Jesus is in wretched poverty; and he
«lio is with Jesus is most rich. — Imitation: Book II,

Ural: Do you remember the account of Barnabas and Paul
UDR thought Jupiter and Mercury by the poor pagans? We have

,', ef r, , th L at . St Barnabas today. Though he labored much
tun bt. faul, fie is not ordinarily mentioned as an apostle.

Today: St. Barnabas is a type of man who does not work for
Imp Klory he is to get out of it, but for love of God. It never
"i; iid the mind of St. Barnabas when he worked with St. Paul

■I he latter was getting all the glory "What do I get out of
IAU? He knew he was pleasing God and that is all that matters.
Slogan: All for the great honor and glory of God.

• 12 - ST. JOHN OF ST. FACUNDUS, Confessor

SI. John was favored by the Holy Ghost with a marvelous
lor peacemaking. He distributed his rich revenues among the

i !,nd devoted his time to works of charity, to prayer, and

la "lie contemplation of divine wisdom.

' > God, the author of peace, and lover of charity, Who didst

104 CHARACTER CALENDAR

,_i a t„u Thv Cnnfessor, with a wonderful grade foi
adorn blessed John, Ihy W™«J*?" it d intercession,

that, being established m Thy « anty ' ,J ( m y
temptations be separated from Thee.- Collect.

and spiritual man. — Imtatton: Book I.

himself to meet his Master.

we all know.

Sto*m: Blessed is .that servant who, when the Master calll,
is found watching.
June 13. ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA, Confessor

The Lord loved him, and adorned him: He clothed him wUh
a robe of glory. — Gradual.

His peace, and His familiarity. -lm*4#0*i Book II.

Jrl.nl ■ This Hear dear saint needs no introduction. He is alwayl

S^JAISSJSW^SW ii to haste, i

their aid.

Today: If you have very little patience to wait ^ Jhe th.n,.

for anything you must have at once.

Slogan: If great wonders thou desirest,
Hopeful to St. Anthony pray.

JUNE 105

lunc 14. ST. BASIL THE GREAT

After having completed his studies at Constantinople and
Alliens with his intimate friend Gregory of Nazianzen, he
"iiounced the world, left his family, and entered a monastery.
Ilf was chosen bishop of Caesarea, His commanding character,
htl firmness and energy, his learning and eloquence, his humility
|Dd austerity made him a model for bishops.

O God, the rewarder of faithful souls, grant through the

i 'ii vers of blessed Basil, Thy confessor and bishop, whose ven-

.i-i l>I-e feastday we are celebrating, we may receive the pardon
Dl our sins. — Postcornmunion.

Pear God, and thou shalt not be afraid of the .terrors of man.
Imitation: Book HI.

Ideal: This is the friend of St. Gregory. With St. Gregory he,
loo, has been called a Father of the Church. He labored to root
•mi heresy.

Today: Try to imagine your plight if you knew nothing of
Ihr beauties of our holy Faith. How much you would be
.sing of the things that make life worth while!

Slogan: He that is mighty hath done great things to me.

lune 15. SS. VITUS, MODESTUS, AND CRESCENTIA,
Martyrs

St. Vitus was a young noble Sicilian. Together with Modestus,
lilu lutor, and Cresceatia, his nurse, he was plunged into a caldron
ill molten lead. After having tested them like gold in the furnace,
(iiiri delivered them from all these sufferings.

Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: Let His praise be in the
rhuivh of the saints. — Gradual.

Because if thou die with Him, thou shalt also live with Him;
hhI if thou art His companion in suffering, thou shalt also be
Hi < ompanion in glory. — Imitation: Book II.

hind: This is the most interesting group of saints of the whole
• i You must read the account of their lives.

Today: How much do the troubles and the distress of others

106 CHARACTER CALENDAR

affect you? It is rather a dreadful thing to assume the attitude
of Cain "Am I my brother's keeper?
Slogan: There is nothing so kingly as kindness, - Phoebe Cory.

June 16. ST. JOHN FRANCIS REGIS I

without interruption.

I wffl liken him to a wise man who built his house upon |
a rock. — Antiphon.

Lift up thy heart to Me in heaven and the contempt of men
on earth shall not grieve thee.-Zmtfotion: Book III.

i j i. i„u Pranric was on fire with the love of God so much
JtSt^S^ZS on a missionary tour, he broke hi.
leg he managed to make the rest of the journey of W milr.
and then went straight to the confessional regardless of pain.

Today ■ When a man finishes a football game in spite of I
hroken collar bone or a broken nose, we think he is quite a her.,,
iS he fa Why should not the love of God , promp : heroic sou u
to do brave things like that; and are not such men heroes? Th. v
are.
Slogan: The zeal of Thy house hath eaten me up.

June 17. ST. AVITUS, Abbot

<?t Avitus ruled his monastery with prudence and real. By W«
hof example he induced others to walk the way of perfect.*.

Well done thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faith
ful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many tfaniR>|
StaSo! into the joy of thy Lord—First Responsary.

And unless a man be elevated in spirit, and freed from attach
mint to an creatures, and wholly united .to God, whatevel
h^ knows, and whatever he has, is of no great importance.-

Imitation: Book III.

Today: It all sounds so simple, and, if we love God very

JUNE 107

intensely, it is easy. You know what St. Augustine says; "Love
<;<>d and do as you please."

Slogan: My Beloved to me and I to my Beloved.

lone 18. SS. MARK AND MARCELLIANUS, Martyr»

Brothers by blood, these saints were more than brothers in the
ihcdding of their blood. They were thrown into prison in the
vain hope that they would deny their Faith. St. Sebastian visited
I hem in prison and encouraged them to suffer all things rather
than deny Christ. They were nailed to a pillar and left to die.

Novena for the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help begins.

The souls of .the just are in the hand of God; and the torment
"I malice shall not touch them. — Gradual.

And if thou couldst make choice, thou oughtest to prefer to
nuffcr adversities for Christ, than to be delighted with much
"insolation; because thou wouldst more resemble Christ, and be
more likened to all the saints. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: These were two brothers who gave their lives for Christ
|uftt as Primus and Felician had done. These two were young
i mn though, while others had been very old.

Today: Have you ever heard some very foolish people say:
u 0h dear, he (she) is so young to go to the convent, to the
religious life"? To whom does our life belong if not to God?
i ither trust our young life to God than to a mortal who may
*>r may not be faithful to us.

Slogan: In Thee, O Lord have I hoped; I shall not be con-
founded.

lime 19. ST. JULIANA FALCONIERI r Virgin

At the age of IS St. Juliana became a nun. Her life was an

Mnliroken prayer in .this that she walked always in the presence

"i dod. She was visited in her last hour by angels in the form

I doves, and Jesus Himself crowned her with a garland of

(lowers.

Come, O My chosen one, and I will establish My throne in
ilww, for the King hath greatly desired thy beauty. — First Re-
*ponsory.

I. cam now to despise all things, that then thou mayst freely
r-- to Christ. — Imitation: Book I.

108 CHARACTER CALENDAR

ment during the month o ^Sac«dH Watch

SSuBAA SJ%S — -d women who seem to clus,,
about the object of their love.

ft*,, Thin, of t he S^ed Heart as oi t * he.t * onewhj

knows every longing of ^ J™". nB £v s what it means tl

gratitude.

SJogan; Son (daughter) give Me thy heart,

June 20. ST. SILVERIUS, Pope and Martyr

^ C T»rb» is h f ed h ? r oS tU Ro m e. No a m .u„t .. pe»ec„ t

could force him into submission.

■■■• . • .» fa Jairirt

Epistle: St. Jude

Epistle: at. jmwc. _ , .. . t

speaketh to Th& -Imitation: Book III.
Meal: St. M» f^d » very congen* J"JJ» *£

Sa , t^ te «^'S : ^?' ! —e may b,

many kings, but there is only one Pope.

Mr: Be good-natured; b^^gg £5,5*3

Slogan: Truth and right know no compromise.
June 21. ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA, Confessor

5t?£ UvS'-l ^aXlnl mTdel of the rule. When a contag,,-

TUNE

109

disease broke out in Rome, St. Aloysius offered to take care
Of the sick. He fell a victim to his charity.

Thou hast made him a little less than the Angels: Thou hast
rruwned him with glory. — Introit.

If there be joy in the world, truly the man of pure heart
possesseth it. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: The model and patron of youth, Aloysius strove all his
life to keep the whiteness of his soul unstained.

Today: The very great care Aloysius took to guard the inno-
n nee of his soul seems to indicate that one is always in great
dimmer of contamination. If you do not pray directly to St.

Aloysius, follow his wise example of- calling fervently upon our

Ltdy for protection.

Slogan: Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God.

fune 22. ST. PAULINUS, Bishop and Confessor

St. Paulinus was educated with great care; his genius and elo-
quence, in prose and verse, were the admiration of men of his time.
Rod drew him on the way of suffering and sorrow. He offered
himself as a slave to release a poor widow's son.

You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, being rich,
He became poor for your sakes; that through His poverty you
might be rich. — Epistle: St. Paul.

Tut thyself in the lowest place, and the highest shall be given
thee; for the highest standeth not without the lowest. — Imita-
tion: Book IL

Ideal: This wealthy man had been married but with the consent
•>f his wife, who entered a convent, he left the world, gave his
■ i rthly possessions (which were slight, after all, compared with
heaven which was purchased by their sacrifice), to the poor and
lived the life of a devout monk. His friends upbraided his foolish-
ness, but their taunts did not affect him; he was satisfied that
[obus loved him.

Today: If you wish to do good in .the world, people must like
vou, so if you have traits that others mind very much, correct
them; but when you are doing your best and things do not turn
mil as you would like, be satisfied that you are trying to please
Rod; and nothing else matters.

110 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Slogan: Do your duty; that is best;

Leave unto the Lord the rest.

June 23. ST. ETHELDREDA, Abbess

Much against her will, this saint was obliged to marry. Upon
the death of her first husband, she was forced into a second
marriage. After some years she obtained her husband's consent to
retire from the world. A miracle testified to the wisdom of
her choice, showing that God approved and accepted her former
sacrifices.

God hath chosen her, and fore-chosen her. — Matins: Verse.

Hold fast this short and perfect word; Forsake all, and thou
shalt find all: relinquish desire, and thou shalt find rest. — Imita-
tion: Book III.

Ideal: Though Etheldreda would have preferred the life of a
nun, she was obliged to marry a king of the Mercians. After his
death, she thought to be allowed to live as she had so lonp;
desired, but she was pressed to marry a second time; however,
with the consent of her second husband, she was permitted to
enter a convent.

Today: Resignation to the ordinances of Providence makes il
easier to bear the little hardships that come our way.

Slogan: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.

June 24. ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

The birth of St. John was foretold by an angel of the Lord to
his father, Zachary, who was offering incense in the temple. It wai
the office of St. John to prepare the way for Christ. Christ Him
self pronounced the panegyric of the saint in the words: "Verily
I say unto you, among those that are born of women there hath
not risen a greater than John the Baptist."

Greatest of Prophets, messenger appointed
Paths for thy Lord and Savior to prepare,

O for a tongue unsoiled, thy praise and wonders
Meet .to declare! — Vespers: Hymn.

If thou wilt not suffer, thou refusest to be crowned; but if
thou desirest to be crowned, fight manfully, and endure patiently.
— Imitation: Book III.

JUNE HI

Ideal: This is the great patron of the French. And. what a
splendid man he was!

Today: Read the Gospel of St. Matthew and notice St. John's
•traightforward manner of telling people what is what. There is
DO mincing of matters; St. John believed that if persons were
worth while they would appreciate knowing what to do; if they
wrre not worth while, telling them the right thing would not harm.

Slogan: Speak the truth, 'tis better far.
lune 25. ST. WILLIAM, Abbot

William was born of noble parents in Piedmont. Having left
hln family and renounced his riches he built a monastery. His
My life was spent entirely in the meditation of divine things
»ml he became famous for his miracles.

Blessed is the man that doth meditate in the law of the
Lord: his delight is therein day and night, and whatsoever he
iMth shall prosper. — First Antiphon.

Look upon the lively examples of the holy fathers, in whom
ill one real perfection and .the religious life, and thou wilt see how
UtUe it is, and almost nothing, that we do. — Imitation: Book L

''k^-' St. William wished to live entirely for God in retire-
Bent When his cave was discovered, he fled somewhere else.

Today: You need not live in a cave, nor be on your knees all
•liiv to be praying always. Make the good intention and so conse-
erate your whole day to God's service.

Slogan: All for the greater honor and glory of God.

lime 26. SS. JOHN AND PAUL

These two saints were officers in the army under Julian, the
inostate. They glorified God by a double victory; they despised
Uio honors of the world, and gained the martyr's crown.

The righteous stand in the presence of the Lord, and are not
■hvidcd the one from the other; they drank of the Lord's cup
ind they are called Friends of God. — Vespers: Antiphon.

right like a good soldier; and if sometimes thou fall through
liAllty, resume greater courage than before, confiding in My
»".ro abundant grace. — Imitation: Book 111.

112 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Ideal: Two fine soldiers who fought for their emperor until
that emperor ordered them to offer sacrifice to the gods; then,
their only king was Christ and for Him they gave their lives.

Today: We cannot get away from the appeal that an upstand-
ing soldier makes to us. And we are soldiers, all in the army of
Christ by the sacrament of confirmation.

Slogan: I am a soldier who would joust for my King;
Life is love's tournament.

June 27. ST. LADISLAUS, King

St. Ladislaus was distinguished for his chastity, his meeknc:
and his piety. His life in the palace was austere; he was frugal
and abstemious, but most liberal to the Church and the poor.

Also the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

The Lord made him honorable, and defended him from hil
enemies, and kept him safe from those that lay in wait for him,
and gave hirn perpetual glory. — Responsory.

Keep thy resolution firm, and thy intention upright, towan!
God. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: This king ruled an enormous kingdom wisely, but hi
ruled also the private kingdom of his own soul.

Today: What will be the advantage of counting your victorin
by so many acres added to your domain, if ^ you have no!
mastered your own soul and saved it for your King?

Slogan: He that ruleth his spirit is better than he that .taketli
cities.

June 28. ST. IRENAEUS, Bishop, Martyr

This saint was a pupil of St. Polycarp. He had the deepcsl
veneration for his holy teacher. He listened to his instruction
with an insatiable ardor, and so deeply did he engrave them ofl
his heart that the impressions remained even unto his old age.

Stand in the multitude of the prudent priests, and from tin
heart join thyself to their wisdom, that thou mayest hear every
discourse of God. — Gradual.

With good reason oughtest thou willingly to suffer for Christ,

JUNE 113

nince many suffer great things for the world. — Imitation:
Book II.

Ideal: St. Irenaeus was a bishop of the early ages who gave
his life for Christ. He was a learned man and had written sev-
11 ;il treatises in defense of the Church.

Today: As the beautiful month of June runs to its end, we
learn more and more of what others have done to return the
love of Christ. Have you as much love; as much courage?

Slogan: No love but Thine can fill my heart, and I would
burn with love of Thee.

June 29. THE HOLY APOSTLES PETER AND PAUL

Today the whole Church rejoices for "God has consecrated this
il.ty by the martyrdom of the Apostles Peter and Paul." In both
the grand basilicas erected at Rome over the tombs of these two
princes, who by the cross and sword have obtained their seat in
the eternal senate this double sacrifice was celebrated. Later, on
mount of the distance which separates the two churches, the
festival was divided, St. Peter being more especially honored on
I tine 29, and St. Paul on June 30.

Triduum for the Feast of the Visitation begins.

Fathers of mighty Rome, whose word

Shall pass the doom of life or death,
By humble cross and bleeding sword.

Well have they won their laurel wreath. — Vespers: Hymn.

Humble contrition for sins is an acceptable sacrifice to Thee,
Lord, of far sweeter odor in Thy sight than the burning of frank-
BCcnse. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: Though the two princes were martyred on the same day,
this day is especially dedicated to St. Peter. Dear, impetuous, ex-
cttable St. Peter, on fire with love for his Master, who can help
but to love him?

Today: Read any one of the Gospel stories, preferably St.
Mark's, and watch St. Peter all the way through. If you are open
to impression at all, you will be fired to throw every ounce of
inergy into working for Christ; every fiber of your being will
vibrate with love for him; every pulsation of your heart will
t h rob for Christ.

114 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Slogan: I would my heart were a burning fire to bum itself
out for Thee.

June 30. COMMEMORATION OF ST. PAUL

"The Tiber, on entering Rome," writes an ancient poet, "salute,
the Basilica of St. Peter and, on leaving it, that of St. Paul. J he
heavenly doorkeeper has built his sacred abode at the gates of
the eternal city which is an image of heaven. On the opposite
side, the ramparts are protected by Paul's portico: Rome ,» be-
tween the two." With Peter, the new Moses, leader of the New
Israel, is associated Paul, the new Aaron, more eloquent than r
first, chosen from his mother's womb to announce to the Gentiles
the riches of the grace of Christ.

O Holy Apostle Paul, preacher of the truth, and teacher of th«
Gentiles, pray for us to God Who hath chosen thee. — Antiphon.

But true glory and holy exultation is to glory in Thee, an.J
not in oneself. — Imitation: Book HI.

Ideal: What shall we say of St. Paul? Read his Epistles There
is not a thing St. Paul does not know; there is not a thing he
cannot do. And he acquired all those skills purposely that hr
might use them as a means for winning souls for Christ.

Today ■ Take your New Testament today and read any one of
the Epistles of St. Paul. You'll scarcely be able to stop; they *n
so fascinating. If you want a type of lover of Christ, St. Paul I
is the best example.

Slogan: By the grace of God, I am what I am, and His grace
has not been void in me. — St. Paul.

JULY

July 1. MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF OUR LORD

The whole month of July is devoted to the Most Precious Blood,
but this first day of the month reminds us every year that at .this
date, in 1849, the Revolution which had driven the Pope from
Korae was happily ended. To perpetuate the memory of this
inumph and to show that it was due to the Savior's merits, Pius
[X, at the time a refugee at Gaeta, instituted the Feast of the
Precious Blood. The liturgy of today reminds us of all the circum-
hlances in which our Lord's Precious Blood was shed.

Brethren, Chris,t being come, a high priest of the good things
in come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with
hands, that is, not of this creation, neither by the blood of goats
or of lambs, but by His own Blood, entered once into the holy
..I holies, having obtained eternal redemption. — Vespers.

He that eateth My Flesh and drinketh My Blood abideth in
Me and I in him. — Imitation: Book IV.

Ideal: In June, all our devotions were centered on the Sacred
Heart. It is the Sacred Heart that makes this adorable blood
tlrrulate .through the Body of our Lord.

Today: Dearest Jesus, suffer not my tongue which has been
ind is so often purpled with Thy Precious Blood, to speak well
..I myself or ill of others, so that no uncharitable word may be
irrorded in the "Book of Life" on the Day of Judgment. Accept
nil the victories I gain over my tongue as a preparation for my
DOXt Holy Communion.

Slogan: Save me by Thy Precious Blood.

inly 2. THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN
MARY

The Angel Gabriel had announced to Mary that God would soon
tilve a son to Elizabeth. The Blessed Virgin at once went to

115

116 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Hebron, where her cousin resided. That is the mystery of th|
Visitation, which is celebrated on the day following the Octavn
of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist.

My soul doth magnify the Lord; and my spirit hath rejoirnl
in God my Savior. — Gospel.

What shall I give Thee for all these thousand favors? Woul.l
that I could serve Thee all the days of my life. — Imitation
Book III.

Ideal: It was on this day that the Blessed Virgin expressed thi
exultation of her heart in that beautiful canticle, The Magnified
It was on this day, too, that Elizabeth first used the words which
we repeat so often. "Blessed art thou among women and bleSMQ
is the fruit of thy womb."

Today: If you are not familiar with the Magnificat, don't foil
to become acquainted with this literary masterpiece. Say the Hail
Mary with special fervor today.

Slogan: Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now
and at the hour of our death.

July 3. ST. LEO II, Pope, Confessor

St. Leo was a great musician. When he became Pope he devoir. I
his musical talent to perfecting the melodies of the Psalms and
Hymns of the Church. By his example and his preaching he In I
others to the practice of virtue.

I will clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall
rejoice with exceeding great joy. There will I bring forth a hoifl
to David: I have prepared a lamp for my anointed. — Gradual.

See how far yet thou art from true charity and humility; wlmli
knoweth not how to feel anger or indignation against anyone I mi
oneself. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: Amid all the cares and business of the Papacy this salal
found time to help the needy and the poor. Those in distress foUnQ
in him a father and a friend.

Today: To read about virtue is one thing, actually to praditn
virtue is quite another thing. Can you remain sweet tempered and
considerate if others bother you when you are very, very busvi 1
Try it.

Slogan: Blessed are the meek.

JULY 117

filly 4. ST. BERTHA, Widow and Abbess

i Ins saint was a remarkable woman. Descended from a line

kings, she was the mother of two saints, SS. Gertrude and

hroLila. After her husband's death she became a nun, devoted

In • wealth to the erection of churches and convents, and spent

In i last years in entire seclusion in a convent cell.

Who shall find a valiant woman? Far and from the uttermost
tits is the price of her. The heart of her husband trusteth in
l« ', and he shall have no need of spoils. — Epistle.

"Ii, how great thanks am I bound to render unto Thee, for
llnm hast vouchsafed to show me and all the faithful a right
'Mil a good way to Thine everlasting kingdom. — Imitation:
Ht>ok III.

Ideal: St. Bertha shows us how much good can be accomplished
h\ i hose who are ever on the alert to further the greater glory of
Nod As a mother in her home and as nun in her convent she
I one aim in view — to do something for God.

Today: At least five times today stop for just a second and ask
uurtclf: Why am I doing this?

Blogan: All for the greater honor and glory of God.

Inly 5, ST. ANTONY-MARY ZACCARIA, Confessor

\niony-Mary was born of a noble family in Cremona. Two
ilmracteristics made him a leader among his school fellows —

1 less of intellect and integrity of life. The degree of doctor

medicine was conferred on him by the University of Padua.
Hi founded the Order of Clerks Regular.

Let no man despise thy youth: bat be thou an example of the
'"ih ful, in word, in conversation, in charity, in faith, in chastity.
Pill I come, attend unto reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine.
h pis tie.

If is a great thing to be even the least in heaven, where all are
it ; because all shall be called, and shall be, the children of God.
Imitation: Book HI.

Heal: St. Paul was the model and ideal of St. Antony-Mary.
I.lkr St. Paul, he strove to measure up to the full stature of
1 luiBt. He was, like the great Apostle, filled with Christ's super-
mlncnt knowledge.

118 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Today: We grow like those whom we love and admire. If you
want to know whether you are aiming high or low, notice thr
type of man or woman whom you would like to resemble. Thai
is your answer.

Slogan: Aim high.

July 6. ST. GOAR, Priest

St. Goar was a holy priest who brought many to Christ by
his preaching and by his example. Wishing to serve God entirely
unknown to the world he shut himself in a cell. His reputation
for sanctity drew crowds who came to seek inspiration and advici

The mouth of the just shall mediate wisdom, and his tonK» r
shall speak judgment: The law of his God is in his heart.
Introit.

If thou wilt be My disciple, deny thyself. If thou wilt posscim
a blessed life, despise this present life. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: St. Goar attracted many to Christ as an active mi*
sionary. Many more came to him after he had retired to lilft
solitary cell. We often do more for our neighbor by silent, prayei
ful good example than by argument and force.

Today: Don't argue, or contradict anyone today. Instead ol
attempting to bring people to your way of thinking by eloquent,
try prayer.

Slogan: The voice of the Lord is not in the whirlwind.

July 7. SS. CYRIL AND METHODIUS, Bishops, Gonfesson

These two saints were brothers. To them belongs the glory ol
having converted the Slavs. They invented writing for their Ian
guage and translated the Scriptures in the idiom of which the]
are considered the authors.

God is wonderful in His saints: the God of Israel is He Wha
will give power and strength to His people: Blessed be God.
Offertory.

The glory of the good is in their own consciences, and not In
the mouth of men. The joy of the just is from God and in God
and their rejoicing is in the truth.-— Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: These two saints promised under oath to persevere In
the Roman Catholic Faith. Their own deep faith and personal

JULY 119

lo vi* for Christ made it easy for them to convert others. Consider
tin- Kift of faith one of your most priceless possessions.

Today: Not only today but every day make a fervent act of
Ittlth. Thank God with all your heart for making you a Cath-
pU< and live like one.

Slogan: If your faith were but as a grain of mustard seed, you
uliall say to this mountain: Remove from hence hither and it
li ill remove.

filly 8. ST. ELIZABETH, Queen, Widow

A daughter of Peter III, King of Aragon, she inherited the name

ind virtue of her great aunt, St. Elizabeth of Hungary. She bore

iili great patience the grief caused by a jealous and faithless

•unhand. Her meekness and forbearance made her a power in

I "ling quarrels and disputes.

She hath opened her mouth to wisdom and the law of clemency
U on her tongue. Her children rose up and called her blessed: her
lnnband praised her. — Epistle.

(Jreat tranquillity of heart hath he who careth neither for praise
'mii blame. — Imitation: Book HI.

Ideal: St. Elizabeth heard Mass every day and prepared by
- vere austerities for her frequent Communions. But her devotions
wrrc so arranged that they did not interfere with the duties of
hnr state.

Today: Even one Mass has infinite value. The privilege of be-
ing present with Christ and His Blessed Mother on Calvary is
yours for the effort of getting up in time and going to church.
One of your sweetest consolations at the hour of death will be
Hi« Masses you assisted at fervently.

Slogan: Lord, increase my faith.

filly 9. ST. EPHREM, Deacon

St. Ephrem is the light and glory of the Syriac church. By his
fl<n|iient preaching and his musical ability he won the hearts of
nil In the Syriac Liturgy he is still known as 'The Harp of the
Holy Ghost."

Pear not, little flock, for it hath pleased your Father to give
uu a kingdom. Sell what you possess and give alms. Make to

120 CHARACTER CALENDAR

yourselves bags that grow not old, a treasure in heaven which
faileth not. — Gospel.

If thou aim at and seek after nothing else but the will of God
and thy neighbor's benefit, then shalt thou enjoy interior liberty.
— Imitation; Book III.

Ideal: St. Ephrem was passionate by nature, but from tin-
time he entered religion no one saw him angry. In his humility
he refused the dignity of the priesthood. Humility made him
meek and meekness kept him humble.

Today; Are we developing our God-given powers to the tall
of our ability. Whether God has given us one talent or fivi
talents, they are ours only that we may trade with them and
purchase heaven. Are we investing our talents wisely or foolishly f

Slogan: Look to the end.

July 10. THE SEVEN BROTHERS, Martyrs, and ST.
FELICITAS, their Mother

By prayer, fasting, and works of charity, this mother merited
the gift of martyrdom for her seven sons and the gift of faith foi
many idolators. Valiant woman that she was, she encouraged hoi
sons who were martyred before her eyes and then suffered death

The snare is broken and we are delivered, as a sparrow, out
of the snare of the fowlers. Our help is in the Name of the Lord
Who made heaven and earth. — Gradual.

Learn now to die to the world, that then thou mayst begin td
live with Christ- Learn now to despise all things, that then thou
mayst freely go to Christ. — Imitation: Book /.

Ideal: This feast commemorates the birthday into heaven ol
a whole family. Wouldn't you love to be sure that you and yom
whole family were going to heaven! Are you doing anything to
make sure .this will happen. This family did more than just wish
this would happen, they made sacrifices that hurt.

Today: God may never ask you to prove your love for Him
by martyrdom, but He does ask you to make little sacrifices every
day and every hour of the day. Are you a hero or a coward?

Slogan: The Kingdom of Heaven sufiereth violence and thr
violent bear it away.

JULY 121

July 11. ST. PIUS I, Pope and Martyr

This saintly Pope prescribed that the Feast of the Resurrection
!■« mid be kept only on a Sunday which then became the center
ind king of all the Sundays. He did much to beautify the churches
til Rome.

The Lord made to him a covenant of peace, and made him a
prince; that the dignity of priesthood should be to him forever.
Introit.

I 'tat thy whole trust in God, and let Him be thy fear and thy
love. He will answer for thee, and will graciously do for thee
y Hhall be best.— Imitation: Book II.

ideal: Like the Good Shepherd this Pope gave his life for his
nock. He made every effort to have Sunday kept as the Lord's
Day.

today: Do you look upon Sunday as a day for a good time
til as a day to be given the Lord? There is nothing wrong about
i-«vmg a good time provided you have given God what He asks
"i you by way of Sunday observance.

Slogan: Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath Day.

My 12. ST. JOHN GUALBERT, Abbot

One Good Friday, St. John Gualbert, escorted by his army
Hifrndants, met alone and unattended the murderer of his brother.
Hn was about to pierce him with his lance when the murderer
Ihww himself at his feet and begged for mercy in the Name of
iIh- < rucified. John recalled our Lord's forgiveness of His enemies
"tul let the murderer go free.

But I say to you, love your enemies, do good to them that
hfllr you, and pray for them that persecute and calumniate you:
Hint you may be the children of your Father Who is in heaven.

Gospel.

I hrist had enemies and detractors, and wouldst thou have all

'" be thy friends and benefactors? Whence shall thy patience be

rowned, if thou meet with no adversity?— Imitation: Book II.

Utcl: Surely it was not an easy matter for St. John Gualbert

122 CHARACTER CALENDAR

to forgive when revenge was to be had so easily. Such virtue in
not attained without a struggle. This victory over himself wan
rewarded by a vocation to the religious life.

Today: Perhaps God is waiting for some act of self-denial on
your part to give you a great grace. Don't miss the opportum.lv
by your selfishness and egoism. Be heroic in little things and tin-
big ones will take care of themselves.

Slogan: Fidelity in small things is genuine heroism. I

July 13. ST. ANACLETUS, Pope, Martyr I

St. Anacletus decreed that all bishops should be consecrated by
three other bishops and that clerics should be ordained publicly
He made other laws in regard to the discipline of the Church,
He is one of the large number of holy Pontiffs who suffer., I
martyrdom.

Thou has set on his head, O Lord, a crown of precious stone.
— Communion.

Little is it thou sufferest, in comparison of those who havi
suffered so much; who have been so strongly tempted, so gnev
ously afflicted, so many ways tried and exercised. — Imitation
Book III.

Ideal: This saint was utterly fearless where the honor of God
was concerned. He maintained the discipline of the Church ami
faced a Roman emperor with the bravery of a soldier of Chifl
Dying, his only regret was that he had only one life to give loi
his God.

Today Surely you admire fearlessness and courage. Are you
fearless in professing yourself a Catholic and upho ding come
principles, no matter who may be against you? Of such stuff ....
saints made.
Slogan: Dare to do right, dare to be true. I

July 14. ST. BONAVENTURE, Bishop, Confessor, Doctor

O bona ventural — good luck, exclaimed St. Francis after hi
had miraculously cured St. Bonaventure of a mortal disease. ThM
saint was remarkable for three things: his learning, his humilii |
and his practical common sense. He was a personal friend ol »
Thomas Aquinas.

JULY 123

O God, the rewarder of faithful souls, grant through the prayers
«■! Blessed Bonaventure, Thy confessor and bishop, whose ven-
iroble feastday we are celebrating, that we may receive the par-
• lon of our sins. — Postcommunion.

Lord, most willingly do I commit all things to Thee; for but
111 Mc can my own device avail. Would that I might not be too
much set upon future events, but unhesitatingly offer myself to
Ihv good pleasure. — Imitation: Book HI.

Ideal: When St. Bonaventure heard that the Pope was about
to make him a cardinal, he quietly made his escape from Italy.
On his way he stopped to rest at a Franciscan convent near
Florence. Here the Papal messengers found him washing dishes.
I hr saint told them to hang his cardinal's hat on a bush until
li» had finished the dishes.

Today: No cardinal's hat or similar distinction may be offered
hiii today, but there will be opportunities of denying yourself the
pleasure of surpassing others or appearing bright and clever. Are
you "strong enough" to make these sacrifices.

Slogan: Not to me but to God be glory.

Inly 15. ST. HENRY, Emperor and Confessor

St. Henry, surnamed the Pious, was king of Bavaria. In a vision
hr paw his guardian, St. Wolfgang, pointing to the words, "After

• - " This moved him to prepare for death. After six years he was
Kiiilc king. His six years of preparation for death had fitted him

nitiurably for kingship. He was a model ruler, an intrepid soldier,
ind at all times a most devout Catholic.

Messed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he hath
i. «ii proved, he shall receive .the crown of life. — Gradual.

Snatch me away, and rescue me from all unstable comfort of

Matures; for no created thing can fully quiet and satisfy my

i -ire. Join me to Thyself with an inseparable bond of love; for

i hou alone art sufficient for the soul that loveth Thee, and with-

OUl Thee all other things are frivolous. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: One day when St, Henry was praying in a church at

Home, he saw our Lord Himself saying Mass, assisted by St.

i mrence and St. Vincent. After the Gospel, our Lord sent an

- <-l to give St. Henry the Missal to kiss. The angel touched St.

124 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Henry slightly on the thigh and said, "Accept this sign of God'l
love." Ever after that St. Henry limped.

Today; Afflictions and sorrows are proofs of God's love for Ul
Look upon everything that happens to you today as commr.
directly from the hand of God. Joys and sorrows will then !>r
meaningful.

Slogan: Whom the Lord loveth He chastiseth.

July 16. OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL

On July 16, 1251, our Blessed Lady appeared to St. Simon
Stock and placed in his hands the habit she wished him to weal
The Pope blessed this habit and attached to it many privilcKc*
not only for the Carmelites but also for all those who should
join the confraternity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Be mindful, O Virgin Mother, to speak good things befori
God's face in our behalf, so that He may turn away His angdl
from us. — Offertory,

O pleasant and delightful service of God, which maketh a man
truly free and holy. O sacred state of religious servitude, whuli
maketh men equal to angels, pleasing to God, terrible to thr
devils, and commendable to all the faifllfuL — IffMtOftOM
Book III.

Ideal: By wearing the scapular, which is a diminutive form
of the Carmelite scapular worn by the religious of Mount Carmrl,
we participate in all the merits of the Carmelites and may hopi
to obtain through the Blessed Virgin a prompt delivery from
purgatory and special protection in this life.

Today: The scapular is a visible sign that we are servants of
the Blessed Virgin. You have often heard stories of how our Lady
protects those who wear her scapular devoutly. If you have Iof|
yours get a scapular today and wear it. You know that a scapula]
medal may be substituted for the scapular but the medal mini
be blessed while the scapular need not.

Slogan: Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today

July 17. ST. ALEXIUS, Confessor

On his wedding night, St Alexius left his home in Renin
secretly, fled to the Far East and lived on alms collected at thn
gate of Our Lady's Church. After seventeen years he returned

JULY 125

home but no one recognized him. He was treated like a tramp
rind given a place under a stairway for a bed. After his death
I paper found in his hand revealed his identity.

Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought
nothing into this world, and certainly we can carry nothing out.
- Gospel.

It is a great honor, a great glory, to serve Thee, and to despise
nil things for Thee. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: The life of St. Alexius reads like a strange story. He
U rather ,to be admired than to be imitated. When he returned
home, he was treated with the greatest contempt by those who
RPtre his slaves, but contempt and suffering were his joy.

Today: St. Alexius was probably as sensitively human as we
nr«\ but he had schooled himself to follow Divine Inspiration no
mnt.ter what the cost to poor human nature. Forget yourself just
lor one day and do as many kind acts for others as you can. The
Mppriment will be a revelation to you.

Slogan; To benefit all, to harm none.

July 18. ST. CAMILLUS DE LELLIS, Confessor

St. Camillus was not always a saint. He was, in turn, a soldier,
a spendthrift, a patient at a hospital in Rome* a superintendent
"I a hospital, and the founder of a religious order. Next to God,
81. Camillus ascribed his return to God to St. Philip.

Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his
life for his friend. — Introit.

He that clingeth to the creature shall fall with its falling.
He that embraceth Jesus shall be firmly rooted forever.

— Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: St. Camillus atoned for the folly of his youth by self-
niificing devotion to the sick. With a woman's tenderness he
attended to the wants of his patients and no demand of theirs
wns ever ignored.

Today: Friendship carries with it great responsibility. The
lilrndship between St. Philip and Camillus made a saint of the
litter. Are your friends being led to God or away from Him by
vimr example? Don't say that you have no influence. You may
in it be conscious of your power but it is there.

126 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Slogan: Be a friend worth while.

July 19. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL, Confessor

St. Vincent was the apostle of the poor and the destitute. Bu1
he was not only the savior of the poor but of the rich, for bfl
taught them to do works of mercy. The work so nobly begun by
St. Vincent de Paul is still carried on by the order he founded.

The harvest indeed is great but the laborers are few: pray yr
therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send laborers into rill
harvest. — Gospel.

But all the saints of God, and all devoted friends of Cbrtltj
looked not to what pleased the flesh, nor to wha.t flourished fui
the time of this life; but all their hopes aspired after the good
things that are eternal. — Imitation: Book I.

Ideal: One night when St. Vincent was going through thr
streets of Paris looking for the children left there to die, he wan
attacked by robbers who thought he carried a treasure. When Si
Vincent opened his cloak to show them what he carried, tin v
fell at his feet.

Today: Are you carrying burdens for others or do you make
others carry yours? Be attentive today to the demands you make
on the patience and endurance of others, particularly those ol
your own family. See how quick you are to blame others and
excuse yourself.

Slogan: Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.

July 20. ST. JEROME AEMILIAN, Confessor

In early life St. Jerome Aemilian was a soldier. While bravely
defending his post he was made a prisoner. In his dungeon lu-
called upon the Mother of God for help and promised to lend
a better life. Our Lady appeared to him and set him free. Mr
kept his promise, devoted himself to deserted orphan children and
to the unfortunate. He became the founder of the Clerks Regulm

He hath given to the poor; his justice remaineth forever.

Gradual.

Love is circumspect, humble, upright; not soft, not light, noi
intent on vain things; is sober, chaste, steadfast, quiet, ami
keepeth a guard over all the senses. — Imitation: Book III.

JULY 127

Ideal: In distress, St. Jerome made a promise. Not content
Vrith fulfilling the mere letter of the promise, he did much more
than he had promised. Have you ever prayed real hard for some-
thing you wanted very much, and then, when you got it, promptly
forgot to say, "Thank you, God"?

Today; Be grateful to God even for small favors. We don't
like to be considered rude by our fellow men, but are we always
polite to God?

.Slogan: A grateful soul pleaseth the Lord.

July 21. ST. PRAXEDES, Virgin

This saint, a daughter of the Roman Senator, Pudens, conse-
* nitcd her virginity to God and gave her wealth to the poor and
i" (he Church. Shocked by the terrible things she saw under the
I mpcror Antonius, she begged God to deliver her from this life.
Ilrr prayer was answered.

Graciously hear us, God of our salvation, and grant that we
Who keep with joy the festival of Blessed Praxedes, Thy virgin,
nniv by our feeling of loving devotion, advance in our knowledge
ft! Thee. — Collect.

Kcjoice, ye humble, and be glad, ye poor, for yours is the

I mr.dotn of God — if, at least, you walk in truth. — Imitation:
took III.

Itlrat; St. Praxedes and St. Prudentiana were sisters. Though
Ihey might have enjoyed all those things which were offered the
wmllhy Roman, they preferred to be poor for Christ's sake and
i ■■ . holy and mortified lives. St. Praxedes sighed for death since
n meant deliverance of earthly misery and union with God.

1 <<day: Suppose you were to die today. Are you ready?

Slogan: Death will come as a thief in the night.

My 22. ST. MARY MAGDALEN, Penitent

Mary Magdalen was a sinner. From the depths of her degrada-

II nn she raised her eyes to Jesus with sorrow, hope, and love.
I nun Jesus' own lips she heard the words of forgiveness. She
1 ■ i me His faithful follower and stood at the foot of the Cross,
i lit* representative of the many who have been forgiven much.

128 CHARACTER CALENDAR

I have done judgment and justice, O Lord, let not the proud
calumniate me; I was directed to all Thy commandments; I have
hated all wicked ways. — Commumon.

There is one thing that keepeth many back from spiritual
progress, and from fervor of amendment; namely, a dread ol
the difficulty or of the labor that is necessary m the struggle. -
Imitation: Book I.

Ideal: St. Mary Magdalen made her mistakes but much wM
forgiven her because she loved much. What a lesson and what I
comfort her example is for us.

Today: Our falls should be an occasion for greater merit for
us. They prove to us how weak we are. Let us be humble ait
Mary Magdalen was, make an act of perfect love of God an.l
much will also be forgiven us.
Slogan: The cry of the humble pierces the clouds.

July 23. ST. APPOLINARIS, Bishop and Martyr

St. Appolinaris was a disciple of St. Peter and was appointed l.y
him to be bishop of Ravenna Though this saint IS styled ! I
martyr, he did not actually lay down his life for his Faith 11 r
suffered untold torments for Christ and thus merited the gloi v
of a martyr.

I have found David My servant; with My holy oil 1 havij
anointed him: for My hand shall help him, and My arm shall
strengthen him. The enemy shall have no advantage over bin
nor the son of iniquity have power to hurt him. - Gradual.

The better thou disposest thyself for suffering, the more wisely
dost thou act, and the more dost thou merit; and thou wilt
bear it the more easily if both in mind and in body thou art
diligently prepared thereto. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal- St. Appolinaris was cruelly beaten several times and cat!
into prison. Torments, however, seemed but to increase his ml
for the spread of the Kingdom of Christ. He knew no fear bid
the fear of the Lord.

Today: Do difficulties and obstacles frighten you? Are yon
easily discouraged ? Place your trust in the Lord today and ft
manfully.

Slogan: You have not yet resisted unto blood.

JULY

( " r, ure upon her bu*r!S mted father inflicted torture SS
LeT the' ?" ' ^ ? K7tucXf aC ^ Se ^

toward me^bu? I b wni Sh b e m ^i eCa ^ the y hav * done unjustly

' hy justifications, tSt l^XTlt SJ^^ST^S'^t

Por with God not a „ J confounded. - Communion.

Ood's sake, *5? ^^SSSSfe ?KJ2S T^ SUffered *»
'''«* St pjw wame<L — Imitation: Book ill.

I^ks, fastened ItoSfJ? ^^ with rods - torn with iron

'"'' things may seem ft Sis Wel1 1Q ' the end no matter how

"'«V 25. ST. J AMES) Apo8de

"^ne W o?tn n e e «&£ •JST!J« n 5 c r panions 0^ our Lord
;«'"« of tte daugfc^^^tMBed the Transfiguration, The
11 ' was one of the eleven ApoS li-> 0Ily In - the Garden.
"'«-ir sound hath „ , ** martyi »' deaths -

' h « ^^^S&*"» ^ -d their words

Without labor there h „«
I ' -arrive at ^JS^^R™ without fighting

' ' "'•'^cd S fire J fSS ff* the " Son of Thunder." It was hp nll

130 CHARACTER CALENDAR

today and see how many of them have been the truth ami
nothing but the truth.
Slogan: Always speak the truth.

July 26. ST. ANNE, MOTHER OF THE BLESSED
VIRGIN MARY

St. Anne and her husband, St. Jo«^.*«»J^ •'Jfe

royal house of David. Their prayer for a child to bngh en tl,
home remained unanswered until they were quite adva n d "
vears Then Mary was born, But St. Anne had vowed her daugh
ter to God. This vow she fulfilled when she offered the Bless., I
Virgin in the Temple.

Let us all rejoice in the Lord, celebrating a festival in honoi
of Blessed Anne; on whose solemnity the angels rejoice, and K.vr
praise to the Son of God. — Intrott.

Be Thou therefore blessed, Lord, Who hatl .showed His goo*
ness to Thy servant, according to the multitude of Thy men.™
— Imitation; Book III.

Ideal: God made St. Anne wait a long time before He answered
her prayer for a child. But how wonderful was the answer whOfl
it came Every good prayer we say is answered. It may no. bl
in our way but God's way is infinitely better.

Today: One of our occupations in heaven may be to tlmiifc
God for the prayers He did not answer ™ J*^ G ^ S °' V,',,
are proverbially known to be friends of children. Things th
mothers will deny their children are given them secretly by thell
grandmothers. Did you ever pray to St. Anne?

Slogan: St. Anne, grandmother of Jesus, pray for us.

July 27. ST. PANTALEON, Martyr

St. Pantaleon, born a Christian, fell in with pagan compan,-
and apostasized. A zealous Christian brought him back to thl
Church. The penitent Pantaleon desired to wipe out the guilt d
his fall by martyrdom. This favor was granted him under th)
Emperor Diocletian.

And all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer ptl
secution. — Epistle.

That thou mayst, therefore, escape the future eternal punl-U

JULY 131

mcnt, endeavor patiently to endure present evils for God's sake.
— Imitation: Book III.

Ideal; Evil companionship was fatal to Pantaleon. From a
devout Christian he became as pagan as those with whom he
ussociated. A Christian friend was the means of bringing him back
lo the Church.

Today: Don't deceive yourself into believing that you are not
Influenced by the company you keep. If you are in .the wrong
kind of crowd, break with them today. Tomorrow may be
too late.

Slogan: Tell me with whom you associate and I will tell you
who you are.

July 28. SS. NAZARIUS AND CELSUS, Martyrs. VICTOR
I, Pope and Martyr; INNOCENT I, Pope and Confessor

The Church honors today several saints who lived at different
limes and in different countries. Their faith in and love for Christ
made them all brothers.

God rendered to the just the wages of their labors, and con-
ducted them in a wonderful way; and He was to them for a
i overt by day, and for the light of stars by night. — Epistle.

Hlessed is the man whom Thou, O Lord, shalt instruct, and
■halt teach him Thy law; that Thou mayst give him rest from
the evil days, and that he may not be desolate upon the earth. —
Imitation: Book ///.

Ideal: These saints suffered a short time for Christ here, but
their reward is eternal. Their pain was short-lived, their glory,
rverlasting.

Today: Did you ever stop to think just what it was that made
work so much easier when you were getting ready to go on
u picnic, or a hike, or a trip that you knew you were going to
mjoy? You are on a trip now to a most wonderful country.
It r member the end and the fatigue of the journey will not
imuble you.

Slogan: The suffering is temporary, the reward, eternal.

l»ly 29. ST. MARTHA, Virgin

The Gospel tells us that Jesus loved Martha and Mary and
Ijizarus. That alone is sufficient commendation for canonization.

132 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Martha, Martha, ,thou art careful, and art troubled about many
things but one thing is necessary. — Uospei.

n Tnrd God my holy Lover, -when Thou shalt come into my
heS,t Jf\hat isw^thmme shall be filled with ioy.-Imta»on:

Book III.

Ideal: Martha considered it a great privilege .to prepare , wj II,

of doing something for Jesus' comiort.

beautify the church or the altar?
Slogan: Only one thing is necessary.

July 30. SS. ABDON AND SENNEN, Martyrs

These saints were Persians by birth When " -as ^earned jjjj
they were Christians they were arrested, sent to Rome, scour K «
with cords weighted with lead, and finally beheaded.

Tn all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of God, m

chastky in long-suffering, in sweetness, in the Holy Ghost.-
Epistle.

To him that shall overcome, saith the Lord, I will give to ttl
of the tree of We. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: Not much more is known about these saints than Odj
that they were martyred for professing faith in Christ. But w*
know that ihe privilege of martyrdom must be earned.

Today: The world need not know all about the good [you arl
doing Your reward will be all the greater if only God knows. B
will be your reward exceeding great.
Slogan: Let not your right hand know what the left is doing

JULY 133

July 31. ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA, Confessor

St. Ignatius was born in northern Spain. His ardent and martial
nature caused him to choose a military career. Wounded at the
ulcge of Pampeluna, he was confined to the hospital for a long
lime. In the absence of books of chivalry for which he had a
busion, he was given the Life of Christ and His Saints. This was
litit the beginning of his life of sanctity and service for God and
1 1 is- Church.

I am come to send fire upon the earth, and what will I but
Mint it be kindled. — Communion.

Happy are they who penetrate into internal things, and
endeavor to prepare themselves more and more by daily exercise
pt the receiving of heavenly secrets. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: After his conversion St. Ignatius laid his sword at the
fret of the Blessed Virgin and his generous soul, once so eager for
i'iirihly glory, now longed only for the greater glory of the King
Whom he henceforth served so well.

Today: Don't do anything today except for the glory of God.
.Slogan: All for the greater glory of God.

AUGUST

Aug. L ST. SOPHIA AND HER DAUGHTERS, FIDES,
SPES, AND CHARITAS

St. Sophia, with her three daughters, was offered a handsome
reward if she would renounce the Catholic Faith and induce hn
three daughters to do the same. But they all preferred death to
apostasy.

Ye wise virgins, trim your lamps: behold the Bridegroom
cometh, go forth to meet Him. — Antiphon.

I am accustomed to visit My elect in two ways; namely, l»v
trial and by consolation. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: We admire heroism in adults, but heroism in mere chll
dren gives us a decided thrill. God sometimes uses very weal
instruments ,to show forth the might of His power. Today's feoflj
reminds us that God will do great things there where He findj
great love.

Today: How often do you put obstacles in the way of H"
operation of Divine Grace? Listen attentively today to every in
spiration to do good. Every inspiration is a personal message from
God and a stepping stone to greater things.

Slogan: Opportunity may knock but once.

Aug. 2. ST. ALPHONSUS MARY DE LIGUORI, Biifaofi
Confessor

This Neopolitan nobleman became a doctor of law at the cnrly
age of 16. A mistake, by which he lost an important case, shownl

134

AUGUST 135

rtv Sr 7h anit f ° f ?W fame > and determined him to work

L /f tte & HoK H 6 b6Cam H e - a PrieSt and fo-Sed ?he

^t^t2&i^^ evidence

■■..' t^ach^eV^i^/T me ' wherefor e He hath anointed
Look upon the lively examples of the holy Fathers in whom

'/•o^y.- Don't waste a minute of time today. Even such times
U | W wanmg" can be utilized by making little aspfraSS

Stogan: They labor also who only stand and wait.

Aug. 3. THE FINDING OF THE BODY OF ST. STEPHEN

PrSte r p £ h e en the miraCUl ° US finding by a P-st o7 the^elics ™"

In those days Stephen, full of grace and fortitude did zreat
bonders and signs among the people. — Epistle. g

Fight like a good soldier; and if sometimes thou fall through

M Tl^T'TT 6 grCater C0Ura 8 e than b ^ore" onfiding In
H) more abundant grace. — Imitation : £ 0o £ ///. ' onnamg in

Ideal: The relics of St. Stephen were discovered miraculously

" V Tl™? 6 by deVoutl y venerating these hol^reS One

i "^Stephen teaches us is courage, the other I gg«5

[Way; The injunction: "Forgive your enemiw » «».*»&*

! S , ^f" verv hard to do. Ask 5 St. Stephen t" ay to S y'u

«w to keep your hfe sweet and wholesome by having only ffl
Ihoughts make .their home in your mind.

Slogan: Do good to your enemies.

136 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Aug. 4. ST. DOMINIC, Confessor

St. Dominic truly belonged to the Lord, as his name suggest*.
He is the founder of the Dominican Order. His days were spenl
in bringing others to know Christ, most of his nights were spenl
in prayer. God's blessing rested upon all he did.

O Almighty God, vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to us who aw
under the patronage of Blessed Dominic, Thy confessor, thl
lightening of the load of sin which bears us down. — Post
communion.

Saints and friends of Christ, they served our Lord in hungol
and thirst, in cold and nakedness, in labor and weariness, lo
watchings and fastings, in prayers and holy meditations, in fro
quent persecutions and reproaches. — Imitation: Book I.

Ideal: It was to St. Dominic that the Blessed Virgin tauy.M
the use of the Rosary. Armed with this weapon against thl
powers of evil St. Dominic conquered sin and heresy and con
verted many.

Today: The Rosary is made up of the most beautiful prayrm
we have. The Our Father, that perfect prayer taught by our Lonl
Himself, the Angel Gabriel's Message to the Blessed Virgin, and
all the other prayers of the Rosary are truly a crown of heavenly
roses to be offered our Lady. Say your rosary today makJni
every prayer a rose by the love and devotion with which you
say it.

Slogan: Do well whatever thou dost.

Aug. 5. THE DEDICATION OF THE CHURCH OF OUH
LADY OF THE SNOW

By a miraculous fall of snow the Mother of God indicated In
a wealthy patrician named John that she wished this church
to be built.

Hail, holy Mother, who didst bring forth the King, Who ruli*
heaven and earth forever. — Introit.

Let Thy name be praised, not mine; let Thy work be magnl
fled, not mine; let Thy holy name be blessed, but let nothing l •
attributed to me of the praises of men. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: The holy manger of Bethlehem is in the Church of Oui

AUGUST 137

Lady of the Snow. It resembles an ordinary manger, is kept in
I case of silver, and in it lies an image of a child, also of silver.
On Christmas Day the holy manger is taken out of the case
ana exposed.

Today: Our Lord let it snow in the summertime to please His
mossed Mother. He hasn't the heart to refuse His Mother any-
I ung. Ask our Lady today for some favor, rather a spiritual
Hi an a temporal one.

Slogan: Behold thy Mother.

Aug. 6. THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD

Our Lord took SS. Peter, James, and John with Him to Mount
llmbor. While Jesus prayed, His face became like the sun and
his garments became white as snow. Moses and Elias came to
l u Ik with Him.

We look for the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who will reform
the body of our lowness, made like to the body of His glory —
Chapter. J '

Oftentimes call to mind the proverb: The eye is not satisfied
with seeing: nor is the ear filled with hearing. — Imitation:
Hook I.

Ideal: After the Transfiguration, our Lord asked His disciples
pot to tell anyone about the vision they had seen until He should
be risen from the dead.

Today; Do you sound a trumpet before you when you are
nlvout to do something good or when you have been particularly
luccessful? Imitate our Lord today. Practice the hidden virtues
I'ulher than those that call attention. There is less danger of
losing the merit for the good you do.

Slogan: And thy Father Who seeth in secret will repay thee.
A.m. 7. ST. CAJETAN, Confessor

St. Cajetan was the first to introduce the Forty Hours Devo-

Uon as an antidote to the heresy of Calvin. He had a most tender

ilrvotum to our Blessed Lady. On Christmas Eve she placed in

. In arms the Infant Jesus. At his death our Lady came ,to take

i' soul to heaven.

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they labor

138 CHARACTER CALENDAR

not, neither do they spin; but I say to you, that not even
Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of .these. — Gospel.

Thy abode must be in heaven, and thou shouldst look upon all
earthly things as it were in passing.— Inutattm: Book u.

Ideal: When St. Cajetan lay dying .our ; Blessed Lady appeared
to him. In profound veneration he said: "Lady, bless me ! Mary
replied, "Cajetan, receive the blessing of my Son, and know tha
I am here to reward the sincerity of your love, and to lead you
to paradise."

Today: Love and devotion to our Lady is a sign of predestina-
tion. Are you faithful to the devotion of the "Three Ha.l
Mary's"?
Slogan: Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

Aug. 8. SS. CYRIACUS, LARGUS, AND SMARAGDUS,

Martyrs

St Cyriacus was a holy deacon at Rome who, with SS. Largus
and Smaragdus and twenty others, suffered martyrdom for then
faith.

Fear the Lord, all ye His saints; for there is no want to them
that fear Him: the rich have wanted and have suffered hunger,
but they that seek the Lord shall no.t be deprived of any good.
— Introit.

They shall gain great freedom of mind, who f°r Th y ™ me
enter upon the narrow way, and relinquish all worldly care. -

Imitation: Book III-

Ideal: Companionship tells on character. These saints mutually
encouraged one another .to be steadfast in the time of trial an. I
rather to die than to deny Christ.

Today Make Jesus your best friend. By frequent Communion',
and visits to Him in the Blessed Sacrament you will develop I
strong personal love for Him that will show in your conduct and
tell others of the companionship you are keeping.
Slogan: Thou, too, wast with Jesus of Nazareth.

Aug. 9. ST. JOHN MARY VIANNEY, Confessor

In imitation of his Divine Master this holy priest preached the
Gospel of the Kingdom of Christ and cured every sickness ami

AUGUST 139

Infirmity. His word shone like a torch and his words cured souls
its well as bodies. Crowds flocked to the holy priest.

He hath sent me to preach the Gospel to the poor, ,to heal the
contrite of heart. I became all things to all men, that I might
Have all. — Gradual.

My son, hear My words, words most sweet, excelling all the
learning of philosophers, and of the wise men of this world. My
words are spirit and life, and not to be estimated according to
human perception. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: The Cure D'Ars was far from brilliant, but he shows
how much good those can do who place no obstacle in the way
<it God's grace.

Today: Get the book called The Secret of the Cure D'Ars by
Henri Gheon. You will find it delightful reading and inspirational
loo.

Slogan: God loveth a cheerful giver.

Aug. 10. ST. LAURENCE, Martyr

St. Laurence was the chief among ,the seven deacons of the
Roman Church. One of his duties was to administer the posses-
ions of the Church, whose revenues he distributed among the
poor. Called upon to deliver these riches to the emperor, he asked
for three days' time. After three days he had assembled many of
(he poor of Rome. These he presented to the emperor as the real
treasures of the Church.

The levite Laurence wrought a good work, who by the Sign
of the Cross restored sight to the blind, and gave the treasures
of the Church unto the poor. — Antiphon.

Tut thy whole .trust in God, and let Him be thy fear and thy
love. He will answer for thee, and will graciously do for thee
nn shall be best. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: St. Laurence was martyred by being roasted over a slow
Arc. His jovial spirit remained with him in his pains. To his
tormentors he said: "I am roasted enough on one side; you may
lorn me over."

Today: Can you smile and remain cheerful in the midst of
physical pain? It may .take more heroism to be gracious when
• •Hi's head is "splitting" than to fast on bread and water.

Slogan: The cross is a ladder to heaven.

140 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Aug. 11. SS. TIBURTIUS AND SUSANNA, Martyrs

St. Tiburtius, a son of the prefect of Rome, was condemned to
many tortures and finally beheaded. St. Susanna, having made a
vow of virginity, refused to marry. Accused of being a Christian,
she suffered a cruel martyrdom.

By faith the saints conquered kingdoms, wrought justice, ob-
tained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence
of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, recovered strength from
weakness, became valiant in war, put to flight the armies of
foreigners: women received .their dead raised to life again. —
Epistle.

He, therefore, that despiseth one of the least of My saints,
honoreth not the greatest; for I have made both little and great.
— Imitation; Book III.

Ideal: St. Tiburtius was first thrown into a flaming furnace.
The flames did not even singe the hair of his head. He was then
beheaded.

Today: Nothing can happen to us except by the permission
of God. We are in His hands. See the will of God in all that
comes your way today, even in such things as weather.

Slogan: God's in His Heaven: All's well with the world.

Aug. 12. ST. CLARE, Virgin

St. Clare is the founder of the Poor Clares, for whom St
Francis drew up a rule. They walk barefoot, observe perpetu.il
abstinence, and make poverty the basis of their lives. She died
as the Passion was being read, and our Lady and the angels con
ducted her to glory.

After her shall virgins be brought to the King; her neighbor*
shall be brought to Thee with gladness. — Gradual.

Oh, the wonderful and hidden grace of the Sacrament, which
only the faithful of Christ know, but which unbelievers, and
such as are slaves to sin, cannot experience. — Imitation:
Book IV.

Ideal: The extraordinary devotion of St. Clare to the Blessed
Sacrament was rewarded by a miracle. On the day when thfl
Saracens, who besieged Assisi, tried to enter the convent, shl
held up the ciborium and put them to flight.

AUGUST 141

fcSmpn* When St Clare called upon our Lord in the Blessed
Sacrament to help her against the Saracens, He replied: "My

Z, eC S° n rr ", never * ail you -" He wiU never fa « us either if we
pave St. Clares confidence in Him. Make a special visit to our

I "rust fa Th 1 " 8 * 7 Wlth a " y ° Ur heaft: " Sacred Heart of J esus .
be 'tSSLEL** ° L ° rd ' "^ l trUSted and l shaU not

Aug. 13. SS. HIPPO LYTUS AND CASSIAN, Martyrs

St. Hippolytus was one of St. Laurence's guards while the latter
was in prison. He was converted by the saint and followed him
^h^Z^\ S l ^T*l' t schoolma ster, was delivered with

Kb t t hl b s e tuSL h,s back ' t0 his pagan pupils - wh0 *™«

,,,,2'™ beseech Thee O Almighty God, that this venerable
o emnity of Thy holy martyrs Hippolytus and Cassian, may in-
( rease our devotion and promote our salvation. — Collect.

Wait a little and thou shalt see a speedy end of suffering The
\SJS%S%^ tr0UWe ^ ,ab ° r Sha » be n °

. Ide t : ? t- u as ! ia , n c wa ' put t0 death *>y th °se who should have
7.'n af \ S K r i defenders - T«>e« were surely some among them
« iio stabbed only because others were doing it.

,l W?o R ArC Ti Tf Y led t0 d0 Wr0ng because others ar e
l-ing it? Be careful today not to use the stiletto of your tongue

On anyone, particularly not on the absent.

J l °san: The tongue is a two-edged sword that grows keener
hy constant use.

lui. 14. ST. EUSEBIUS, Confessor

St. Eusebius was imprisoned for seven months in his room by
Wdcr of the emperor. He sanctified this time by constant prayer.

( "ome to Me, all you that labor and are burdened and I will
fresh you. Take up My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, be-
muse I am meek and humble of heart. — Gospel.

Oh, how great and honorable is the office of the priests, whom
I Is given to consecrate with sacred words the Lord of Majesty,
ID bless Him with their Ups, to hold Him with their hands, to

142 CHARACTER CALENDAR

receive Him with their mouths, and to administer Him to others.
— Imitation: Book IV.

Ideal: St. Eusebius was confined to the same room for seven
months. Instead of complaining and making life miserable for him-
self and for others, he made the most of the time to commune
with God In prayer and to prepare for death.

Today: Be optimistic today and don't complain. Bring some
form of cheer to someone today.

Slogan: Every cloud has a silver lining; turn the dark clouds
inside out.

Aug. 15. ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN
MARY

On this festival the Church commemorates the happy departure
from .this life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and her translation
into the Kingdom of her Son, in which she received from Him
a crown of immortal glory, and a throne above all the othn
saints and heavenly spirits.

The Virgin Mary is taken up into the bridal chamber of heaven,
where the King of kings sitteth on His starry throne. — Antiphon.

Thou wouldst wish to be already in the liberty of the children
of God. Now doth the eternal dwelling, and the heavenly country
full of festivity, delight thee. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: After years of patient waiting our Lady was reunited
with her Divine Son on this day. Who can describe that first
embrace of Mother and Son in heaven! And the glory of th|
heavenly Jerusalem when our Lord led His Blessed Mother to
the throne He had prepared for her.

Today: Congratulate your heavenly Mother today and ask
her to take care of you until you arrive at the throne prepared
for you from all eternity.

Slogan: All beautiful and sweet art thou, Daughter of Sinn.

Aug. 16. ST. JOACHIM, Father of the Blessed Virgin

St. Joachim was our Lord's grandfather. We need know no
more about him to know how great a saint the dear old man wan

O Joachim, spouse of holy Anne, father of the kindly VirglBj
help thy servants to save their souls. — Gradual.

AUGUST 143

Nothing, therefore, ought to give so great a joy to one that
loveth Thee and knoweth Thy benefits as the accomplishment of
Thy will in himself, and the good pleasure of Thy eternal appoint-
ments. — Imitation; Book III.

Ideal; How near to our Lord and His Blessed Mother St.
Joachim must be in heaven, and what a sense of possession he
must feel toward our Lord.

Today: If Jesus is our elder brother, than St. Joachim is our
grandfather too. Commend to St. Joachim the one thing neces-
sary, the salvation of your soul.

Slogan: But one thing is necessary.

Aug. 17. ST. HYACINTH, Confessor

St. Hyacinth was the glorious apostle of Russia and Poland. His
wonderful success in converting the pagan people of these coun-
tries he ascribed to the Mother of God for whom he had a
tender devotion.

The Lord loved and adorned him: He clothed him with a robe
of glory. — Gradual.

In everything attend to thyself what thou art doing, and what
Ihou art saying; direct thy whole attention to this, that thou
mayst please Me alone, and neither desire nor seek anything out
of Me. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: When St. Hyacinth was at Kiev, the Tartars sacked the
I own. He was just finishing Mass when he heard of the danger.
Without stopping to unvest he took the ciborium and was leav-
ing the church. As he passed a statue of the Blessed Virgin a
voice said: "Hyacinth, why dost thou leave me behind?" The
atatue was of heavy alabaster but when Hyacinth took it in
his arms it was as light as a reed.

Today: If someone in authority asked you to do a thing which
<o you seemed beyond your strength, would you proceed to do
ii5 you were told or would you make excuses? Willing obedience
makes light reeds of heavy statues.

Slogan: The obedient man shall speak of victories.

Aug. 18. ST. AGAPITUS, Martyr

St. Agapitus was only IS years old when he was put to death
l>v a stroke of the sword. No promise of reward could induce
lilm to deny Christ.

144 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Happy be Thy Church, O God, putting her trust in the prayers
of the holy martyr Agapitus: he in glory pleading in her behalf
may she devoutly do Thee service, and ever abide in safety and
in peace. — Collect.

For when the grace of God corneth to a man, then is he
powerful in all things; and when it departeth, then is he poor
and weak and left only as it were to scourgings. — Imitation:
Book II.

Ideal: In a few short years St. Agapitus earned heaven with
the glory of martyrdom. It isn't chronological age that counts
with God, but degree of maturity in the service of God.

Today: Sanctify every minute of your life by the good inten-
tion. The good intention is the philosopher's stone that turns all
our actions to gold wherewith to buy the Kingdom of God.

Slogan: Not many but much.

Aug, 19. ST. JOHN EUDES, Confessor

St. Eudes did much to promote devotion to the Sacred Hearts
of Jesus and Mary. He founded the religious of Jesus and Mary,
known as the Eudists and also the Congregation of Our Lady
of Charity.

God, Who didst wonderfully inflame blessed John the Con-
fessor to promote the public worship of the Sacred Hearts of
Jesus and Mary, and through him didst will to found new reli-
gious families in the Church; grant, we beseech Thee, that wc
who venerate his merits may also be taught by the example of
his virtues. — Collect.

Better is it to lie hid and take diligent care of thyself, than
neglecting thyself, to work miracles. — Imitation: Book L

Ideal: St. John Eudes was beatified in 1909 and canonized in
1925. Gifted with a strong personality, he used his power to
attract others to the practice of virtue.

Today: Every saint is a strong personality. Sometimes the
power of their personality is evident only after death. If you
wish to develop your gift of personality, become a saint.

Slogan: And five of them were foolish and five of them
were wise.

AUGUST 145

Aug. 20. ST. BERNARD, Abbot, Doctor

The principal title of glory of St. Bernard is that he celebrated
u Ith ineffable tenderness and ardent piety, in his prayers and books
mid sermons, the varied greatness of Mary. He is called Doctor
Mt'llifluus, the honey-mouthed doctor.

O illustrious doctor, thou light of Holy Church, blessed Ber-
nard, thou lover of Divine Law, intercede with the Son of God
for us. — Antiphon.

Let Thy Name be praised, not mine; let Thy work be magni-
fied, not mine; let Thy Holy Name be blessed, but let nothing
DO attributed to me of the praises of men. — Imitation: Book IIL

tdeat: Every day of his religious life St. Bernard offered a
ilmllenge to himself with the words: "Bernard, why hast thou
tome hither?" He was honest with himself in giving the answer
ind courageous in regulating his conduct with all the answer
Implied.

Today: We know St. Bernard best by his Memorare. If you
don't know the Memorare memorize it today and repeat it fre-
quently. You will soon come to know what unction there is in
that beautiful prayer.

Slogan: Why hast thou come hither?

Aug. 21. ST. JANE FRANCES FREMIOT DE CHANTAL

The mother of six children, a widow, foundress of a religious
><lcr with the help of St. Francis de Sales, a saint: this, briefly
put, is the story of St. Jane Frances.

She hath put out her hand to strong things, and her fingers
have taken hold of the spindle. She hath opened her hand to
llir needy and stretched out her hands to the poor. — Epistle.

Mold fast this short and perfect word: Forsake all and thou
limit find all; relinquish desire and thou shalt find rest. Consider
I tils well, and when thou hast put it in practice, thou shalt under-
ptind all things. — Imitation; Book IIL

Ideal: With a red-hot iron St. Jane Frances wrote the name
nf Jesus upon her breast that she might ever remember to whom
■lie belonged.

146 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Today: You belong to Christ. By what mark would one know
that you do? You need not do as St. Jane Frances did but your
conduct ought to show .that you are a follower of the meek and
gentle Savior. Bow your head when you pronounce the Holy
Name or when you hear it pronounced.

Slogan: Behold how they love one another.

Aug. 22. SS. TIMOTHY, HIPPOLYTUS, AND SYM
PORIAN, Martyrs

St. Timothy was put to death at Antioch; St. Hippolytus at
Ostia; St. Symporian at Autun, all on the same day. Like con-
quering heroes they went to meet their fate knowing full well
the reward that was to be theirs.

Deny us not, Lord, Thy help; but hearkening to the prayers
of Thy blessed martyrs, Timothy, Hippolytus, and Symporian,
stretch forth over us the right hand of Thy merciful forgiveness.
— Collect.

Nature willingly receiveth some exterior comfort, in which thl
senses may be gratified. But grace seeketh to be comforted in
God alone, and beyond all things visible to be delighted in tho
Sovereign Good. — Imitation: Book ///.

Ideal; What a happy meeting it must have been for these threr
martyrs when they were united in heaven. The mother of Synt
porian saw her son led out to martyrdom. Like a valiant woman
she encouraged her son rather to die than deny his Faith. She,
too, was seized and put to death.

Today: Naturally speaking, it was not easy for the mother of
St. Symporian to encourage her son to die, but with the eye ol
faith she saw things from God's point of view and that made all
the difference in the world. See the will of God in all that happrnn
and you have the key to happiness.

Slogan: God's ways are not our ways.

Aug. 23. ST. PHILIP BENIZI, Confessor

Obedient to his father's wish, St. Philip studied and practiced
medicine. But our Lady bade him enter her Order of Servites. Il<
offered himself as a lay brother but his ability was soon n-<
ognized, he was ordained a priest, became master of novices and
general of his order. By flight only, did he escape being elevainl
to the papal throne.

AUGUST 147

The just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow up like
me cedar of Libanus. — Introit.

Put thyself always in the lowest place and the highest shall
be given thee. — Imitation; Book III.

Ideal: The more St. Philip tried to flee from honors the more
I hey seemed to pursue him.

Today; Seek the last place today. To do that effectively and
meritoriously you must think little of yourself. Our actions are
our thoughts put into execution.

Slogan: And the last shall be first.

Aug. 24. ST. BARTHOLOMEW, Apostle

St Bartholomew was called to be an apostle by our Lord Him-
jclf. He carried ( the Gospel to Asia. He is said, by some authori-
ties, to have been seized in Armenia and put to death by being

Hayed alive. &

You who have followed Me, shall sit on seats, judging the twelve
Inbes of Israel. — Communion.

Learn to suffer in little things now, that then thou mayst be
■ Irlivered from grievous sufferings. — Imitation: Book I.

Ideal: St. Bartholomew was flayed alive. Long years of patient
rndurance in the school of suffering and sacrifice had prepared
Um to bear this inhuman torture without flinching.

Today: To bear pain uncomplainingly is a mark of a strong
I haracter. Don t seek childish comfort from others by recounting
nil your aches and pains. Be glad to suffer in silence some little
I lung for love of the Crucified Savior.

Slogan; To suffer or to die.

Aug. 25. ST. LOUIS, King and Confessor

Though King of France and a valiant Crusader, St. Louis led
BO life of a religious. He knew no fear but the fear of offending
<.od. With his arms crossed and lying on a bed of ashes he gave
his soul back to his Maker.

O God, Who hast made Thy blessed confessor Louis to be a
wonder of earth and a glory of heaven; do Thou we beseech

148 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Thee, set him up as the defender of Thy Church. — Post-
comtnunion.

If thou hadat a good conscience, thou wouldst not much fear
death. It were better to shun sin than to fly death. — Imitation;
Book I.

Ideal; St. Louis introduced in his chapel the devout practice
of genuflecting at the words in the Credo: Homo factus est. This
custom was shortly after adopted by the whole Church.

Today: Do you always make the genuflection at the In-
carnatus est remembering what you are doing. Our Lord once said
to St. Gertrude; "When a man genuflects at these words and
gives thanks for My Holy Incarnation, I, in turn, bend toward
him and offer to My Eternal Father all the merits of My Sacred
Humanity to increase his eternal happiness."

Slogan; Think!

Aug. 26, ST. ZEPHYRINUS, Pope and Martyr

St. Zephyrinus is styled a martyr .though he probably was nol
put to death. His pontificate was marked by storms and persecu-
tion so violent that he did, indeed, deserve the martyr's crown.

For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of His Father with
His angels ; and .then will He render to every man according to
his works. — Gospel.

For His sake, and in Him, let enemies as well as friends bf
dear to thee: and for all these thou must pray to Him, that all
may know and love Him. — Imitation: Book //.

Ideal: One of the great sorrows of St. Zephyrinus was tin-
apostasy of Tertullian who had shown himself a stanch defendrr
of the Church. Pride led Xo the downfall of Tertullian.

Today; Not he who begins well but he who ends well in
crowned. The example of Tertullian ought to make us fear foi
our own end.

Slogan: Pride goeth before the fall.

Aug. 27. ST. JOSEPH CALASANCTIUS, Confessor

St. Joseph Calasanctius showed his love for children by fouml
ing in their behalf the Order of the Clerks Regular of the Chris

AUGUST 149

tian Schools No sacrifice was too great for him when there was
question of doing something for children.

Come, children, hearken to me. I will teach you the fear Sf
the Lord. — Introit,

The saints that are the highest in the sight of God are the least
in their own eyes; and the more glorious they are, the more
humble they are in themselves.— Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: After St. Joseph had spent his life for others he was
accused to the Holy Office by some of his own subjects. At the
ige of 86 he was led through the streets to prison. With perfect
resignation and trust in God that all would be well with him

It God"° hC Sa ' d: " My W ° rk W3S d ° ne SOlely for the Iove

Today: Suppose you had been in St. Joseph Calasanctius'
Place, what would you have done? Be courageous enough to
ndnut a truthful answer to yourself. You will know how far
advanced you are in the school of the Crucified.

Slogan: To seek revenge is a sign of weakness.

Aug. 28. ST. AUGUSTINE, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor

An ambitious schoolboy of brilliant talents and violent passions,
he early lost both, his faith and his innocence. The tears and

!i ray £1pii IS c 4 mC i ther *? r0Ught him t0 his senses a «d he became
i Me GKKAT St. Augustine.

The mouth of the just shall mediate wisdom, and his tongue
•hall speak judgment. — Gradual. s

But many are deaf and hardened to My voice. The greater
number listen .more willingly to the world than to God; and are
..•adier to follow the desires of the flesh than the good pleasure
ol God. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: For years St. Monica prayed for the conversion of her
m.n Augustine. God seemed deaf ,to her prayers but He was only
waiting to give her a most abundant reward in bestowing the
pace not only of conversion but of sanctity upon her son.

Today: Don't be discouraged if God does not answer your
prayers immediately. He may be waiting to give you very much
more than you ask.

Slogan: Knock and it shall be opened to you.

150 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Aug. 29. THE BEHEADING OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

For fearlessly rebuking Herod, St. John was thrown into prison.
Herodias, the illegitimate wife of Herod, used an unexpected
opportunity to obtain through her daughter, Salome, the behead-
ing of the saint who thwarted her criminal passion.

The just shall spring as the lily, and flourish forever before

the Lord. — Gradual.

What I have promised I will make good; if only a man con-
tinue to the end, faithful in my love. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: Telling the truth cost St. John his life. Flattery would
have saved him. But he chose rather to tell the truth than to
live ignominiously.

Today: Are you given to flattery? Some people call it diplo-
macy but such diplomats have short-lived prosperity. If you have
not the courage to tell people the truth about themselves, at least
have the grace to keep silence.

Slogan: Speak the truth.

Aug. 30. ST. ROSE OF LIMA

The name of Rose was given to this saint because one day her
face appeared marvelously transfigured and with all the beauty
of a rose. Her penances and her prayers fill us with admiration

With thy comeliness and thy beauty sent out, proceed prosper
ousiy and reign. — Gradual.

For our merit and the advancement of our state, consists nol
in having many sweetnesses and consolations; but rather in bear
ing great afflictions and tribulations. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: This South American saint was especially devout to our
Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, which seemed almost her only
food. All her penances and sufferings were offered for the con
version of sinners.

Today: The prayer you say for another may merit for him
the necessary grace to save his soul. Prayer for others is tlir
sweetest charity and is not dependent on either time «>■
circumstance.

Slogan: Remember the soul of thy brother in prayer.

AUGUST 151

Aug. 31. ST- RAYMUND NONNATUS, Confessor

St. Raymund was a member of the Order of Our Lady of
Mercy. He was sent to Africa to ransom Christians and gave him-
M'lf as a hostage to deliver those who were in danger of losing
their faith because they had fallen into the hands of the Moham-
medans.

The Lord loved him and adorned him. He clothed him with
n robe of glory. — Gradual,

He that loveth must willingly embrace all that is hard and
bitter for the sake of the beloved, and never suffer himself to
lie turned away from Him by any contrary circumstances what-
soever. — Imitation: Book TIL

Ideal: The Mohammedans closed the mouth of St. Raymund
with a padlock which cruelly pierced his lips. He was then thrown
into a narrow cell.

Today: It might be much better for us at times to have our
mouths padlocked than to be allowed to speak. Watch your speech
today that nothing contrary to truth or charity escape you.

Slogan: Mend thy speech.

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 1. ST. GILES, Abbot

St. Giles was a holy hermit who founded a monastery.

He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him command
ments in the sight of His people, and showed him His glory .-
Epistle: Eccksiasticus xlv.

It is no small matter to lose or gain the kingdom of God.
Imitation, Book III.

Ideal: St. Giles tended his garden and said his prayers an- 1
loved his neighbors— and became a saint. Write your English
study your science, etc., as well as you can. Try to realize thai
those things are a duty.

Today: Let each bit of work you do today at home or in
school) be done so perfectly that it may be shown to your credll
in heaven.

Slogan: Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, let it
be done in the name of Christ Jesus. — 5/. Paul.

Sept. 2. ST. STEPHEN, King and Confessor

A descendant of those proud and terrible invaders, the Hum,
Stephen was chosen by God to win over his subjects to ChriM
and His vicar.

Blessed is the man that endurcth temptation: for when he halli
been proved, he shall receive the crown of life. — Gradual: St
James, /.

And so the desires of some are on fixe after heavenly thin««,

152

SEPTEMBER 153

And yet they are not free from temptation of carnal affection.—
Imitation, Book II.

Ideal: This king of Hungary put his kingdom under the pro-
lection of our Lady. He was a most successful king, never lost
ft war, but never neglected a duty either.

Today: You need not be a king to fight successful wars, nor
use a sword to slay your enemies. Control your selfish impulses
Hid learn to interpret "Safety First" in terms of the other fellow's
interest, too.

Slogan: Love thyself last. — Shakespeare.

N*pt. 3. ST. SERAPHIA, Virgin and Martyr

This saint sold all her possessions, distributed the proceeds to
the poor, and became a servant.

After her shall virgins be brought to the king: her neighbors
pall be brought to thee with gladness. — Gradual: Psalm xliv.

But what art Thou to those that love Thee? What to those
that serve Thee with their whole heart? — Imitation, Book III.

Ideal: One need not be physically powerful nor do great deeds
Ihat call for attention from the multitude to be truly great.
Real success and true greatness come of doing one's duty well.
Today's saint did that; she was a woman, weak and apparently
liminnificant, unknown to the people who lived on the next street.

Today: Be especially attentive to the wishes of your parents
mid teachers today, so much that you forget you have any wishes.

Slogan: I became all things to all men that I might win the
feore to Christ.— St. Paul.

ft«pt. 4. ST. ROSE OF VITERBO, Virgin

lOven as a child this saint was directed by divine grace in a
H.-nderful manner. To defend the Church's rights was her burn-
hiK wish. This wish found triumphant fulfillment when Pope
innocent IV was brought back to Rome.

Grace is poured abroad in the lips: therefore hath God blessed
tin-c forever and ever. — Offertory: Psalm xliv.

Heyond all hope hast Thou shown mercy to Thy servant; and

154 CHARACTER CALENDAR

beyond all desert hast Thou manifested Thy grace and friend-
ship. — Imitation, Book III.

Ideal: St. Rose was extraordinary. As a young child, she
preached to hundreds of people the message of penance and lovr
of God. A good virtuous life on your part preaches a surer ser-
mon than any words.

Today: Be so quiet and gentle about your work today that
your fellow students in the classroom may be inspired to do
likewise.

Slogan: God is not in the whirlwind. — Holy Scripture.

Sept. 5. ST. LAURENCE JUSTINIAN

Refusing the offer of a brilliant marriage, he fled secretly from
his home at Venice and entered a religious Order. He induced I
friend, who had come to persuade him to return home, to remain
and enter the monastery.

Behold a great priest who in his days pleased God.
There was not found the like to him, who kept the law of thl
Most High. — Gradual: Ecclesiasticus xliv.

The greatest saints shunned the company of men when they
could, and chose rather to live unto God in secret. — Imitation,
Book I.

Ideal: A rich nobleman, St. Laurence was wise enough tQ
recognize the greater riches of God's love. He put by his paltry
chests of gold and silver to plunge into the very treasure housr
of wealth by becoming a religious and making all the glory ol
heaven more surely his.

Today: For five consecutive minutes sometime today, think
this over: Nothing goes with me to the Judgment Seat of God,
to insure heaven, but a good life.

Slogan: What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world,
but suffer the loss of his soul?

Sept. 6. ST. ELEUTHERIUS, Abbot

St. Eleutherius was favored by God with the gift of miraclM
He exorcised a child possessed by the devil. He also raised a dead
man to life.

SEPTEMBER 155

The just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow up
like the cedar of Libanus. — Gradual: Psalm xli.

Whilst thou hast time/ amass for thyself immortal riches.
Think of nothing but thy salvation; care only for the things of
(Jod. — Imitation, Book I.

Ideal: This saint raised a dead man to life and worked many
miracles; nevertheless, when once he committed a slight fault of
vainglory, he did public penance for it. It requires greater cour-
nge than we think (until we have done it) to acknowledge a
fault at all; it requires more courage to acknowledge that fault
among people who think very highly of us.

Today: Try to catch yourself during leisure moments and
note what your thoughts are. It will help you get to know what
kind of person you are.

Slogan: As a man thinketh, so he is. — Psalms.

Sept. 7. ST. CLAUDE, Confessor

St. Claude was a prince of the royal family of France. To
insure his salvation he entered a monastery and became a saint.

Blessed are those servants whom the Lord, when he cometh,
Rhall find watching.— Gospel, Luke xii.

Thy welfare. ^ therefore, lies not in obtaining and multiplying
nny external things, but rather in condemning them, and utterly
rooting them out of thy heart; which I would not have thee to
understand only with regard to money and riches, but also with
regard to the ambition of honor, and the desire of empty praise;
all which things pass away with the world.— Imitation, Book III.

Ideal: By special Providence, Claude was spared when robbing
princes killed his two brothers. He fled to the desert and be-
came a very holy monk, wishing no one to know of his royal
descent.

Today: Have you ever stopped long enough to think that it
was a special mercy that you were born of Catholic parents,
that you may attend a Catholic school? Take time to realize
vour privilege and show by your conduct that you are grateful
for your Faith.

Slogan: And they shall be my people and I shall wear them
«s the apple of my eyz.— Holy Scripture.

156 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Sept. 8. THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN

The birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary announced joy and the
near approach of salvation to the lost world.

Let us celebrate with joy the nativity of the blessed Mary,
that she may intercede for us to the Lord Jesus Chr.st.-F/rs/
Vespers of the Feast.

Grant me, O Lord, celestial wisdom, that I may learn above all
thJS to seek Thee and to find Thee; above all things to relish
Thee and to love Thee, and to understand a 1 other things a,
they are according to the order of Thy wisdom.-/^"".
Book III,

Ideal- Can you imagine heaven today? Mother of God,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of all saints! Who ever had appar-
ently such reason to be proud, and who was ever as humble?

Today: Need anyone tell you what to do on your mother*
birthday? Do as your heart dictates; let your love be the meas-
ure of your sacrifice.

Slogan: He that shall find me shall find r&t.-Canticle <>/

Canticles.

Sept. 9. ST. PETER CLAVER

St Peter Claver was a Spanish Jesuit. After his ordination
he was sent to the West Indies where he devoted himself to m»
Sorarv work among the slaves. He called himself "the slave <>l
I aves" For more than forty years he served them in the capacity
of apostle father, physician, and friend. Forty thousand Negro*
received baptism through his zeal.

His seed shall be mighty upon the earth: the generation of thl
righteous shall be blessed.— Gradual.

When thou shalt arrive thus far, that tribulation shall be sweet
to thee, and thou shalt relish it for the love of Christ, then th.nl.
that it is well with thee, for thou hast found a paradise upon
earth. — Imitation, Book II.

Ideal: He labored in the West Indies, became a saint worklnj
with people who were savages; who scarcely had intelligent
enough to know he was living for them.

SEPTEMBER 157

Today: Train yourself to do good to others for God's sake and
be prepared to be met with ingratitude. If you can stand up
under a lack of appreciation when you mean to be very kind,
you have one good mark of sanctity.

Slogan: All for the greater honor and glory of God. — St. Peter

('layer's Motto.

Sept. 10. ST. NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO

A model of innocence and purity, St, Nicholas was induced to
Ix-come a monk by a sermon on contempt of the world.

Sell what you possess, and give alms. Make to yourselves bags
which grow not old, a treasure in heaven which faileth not:
where no thief approacheth, nor moth corrupteth. Gospel of the
I 1 cast. — Luke xii.

What return shall I make to Thee for this favor? for it is not
uranted to all to forsake all things, to renounce the world, and
(o assume the monastic life. — Imitation, Book HI.

Ideal: Listening very attentively to a sermon and carrying out
the suggestions of that sermon made Nicholas a saint.

Today: Make yourself realize that this little injunction you
ire reading has been put here for you. If you were the only
Ntudent in this school there would be no one else to read it.
There is a design of Providence in everything you will hear or
toad today. If you miss an opportunity today, and fail to re-
H|)ond to one inspiration today, you will miss just that much for
Iternity. This moment, this day, you will never live again.

Slogan: This moment is alt. — Anon.

Sept. 11. ST. PAPHNUTIUS, Bishop

Though a bishop, St. Paphnutius had to work in the mines
under the tyrant Maximin Daia. He was willing to suffer any-
thing rather than deny his faith.

He forsook not the just when he was sold, but delivered him
Irotn sinners: He went down with him into the pit, and in bands
lie left him not, till he brought him the scepter of the kingdom
hiuI power against those that oppressed him. — Epistle, Wisdom x.

It is not long thou hast to labor here, nor shalt thou always

158 CHARACTER CALENDAR

be oppressed with sorrows. Wait a little and thou shalt see ji
speedy end of suffering.— The Following of Christ, Book IIL

Ideal: Rather than deny his Faith, he became a slave workinj
in a mine under tyrannical overseers.

Today: If you were faced today with "Your Faith or yon:
life!" you would rather give up your life, would you not? Bui
would you? How much courage have you? Test yourself. A
copied task or your honor, which? A peevish alibi or submission
to orders, which?

Slogan: Many love Jesus as long as they feel no adversity .-
The Following of Christ, Book II.

Sept. 12. THE MOST HOLY NAME OF MARY

Just as a few days after Christmas we celebrate the Holy Name
of Jesus, so after the Nativity of Msry, we pfotffy her Holy
Name. Triduum for the Feast of the Sorrowful Mother.

And the Virgin's name was Mary. — Gospel, Luke i.

Oh, how great is the abundance of Thy sweetness, O Lord.
which Thou hast hidden for those that fear Thee. But what art
Thou to those that love Thee? What to those that serve Thai
with their whole heart ?— Imitation, Book III.

Ideal: Our Lady's name means Star of the Sea. You, per
haps, love to call yourself a Child of Mary. A child always
resembles his mother, if not in his features, then in his gait, in
the way he does different things, and, since he thinks his mothrr
is perfect, as mothers always are, he tries to be as much like hoi
as possible.

Today: When you rise to pray, or sit down to study, or no
out to play; when you return home and help with little John
about home; when you talk to people, try to do those things U
you think our Lady would; or, imagine her looking at you whilr
you do them.

Slogan: Woman, behold thy Son. Our Savior (on the Cross)

Sept. 13. ST. EULOGIUS, Patriarch of Alexandria

This saint was a brilliant scholar, an authority in literature
and Holy Scripture.
Today is also the feast of the Jesuit Martyrs, canonized in 193ft

SEPTEMBER 159

h.fh'nS t£\T D *$ iS found u without blemish and that

I B Z" e ., ahe l ? old ' or P ut his tr "St in money nor in

treasures.— Epistle, Ecclesiasticus xxxi.

an?^h U S dCT T Pr ° fit ' r l ad With humi,ity - with simplicity,

elks, d r d never w,sh to have the name ° f icarni ^-

InHolv ^ f bri " ia " t ] st V dent and 'earned man in literature and
Icrvtce ScnptUre ' EulogIUS turned ever y bit of his talent to God's

»lft : * e . car * ful no* to complain about anything today,
n ll" P K ht ? Pf' 1 ^^ Iikc «*= If the weather seems warm,

f vou h^r t ad S' k w t uId be if you ,ived in the torrid "5

i. he besides. t0 ° thache ' how much worse > if y°" had an ear-
ofchrilt. L ° rd ' giVC mC Patience even at this to**— Mowing
Sept. 14. THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

itantinfWS 1, 14 ' * J \ 33S ' to0k p,ace the dedication of Con-

h SI S?i C £' an 11 ,n ^ Io ! ure J whl ch contained both Calvary and

■ l'sco"ered/' P ' thlS ^ S3yS Etherfa ' " The cros * was

pMyiv.i^ff a*s the earth > Wi » *» a » «*•

Jesus hath now many lovers of His heavenly kingdom, but few

fen °L?1 Cr ° S /\ P, hath many that "W desirous of con
lOlation, but few of tribulation.— Imitation, Book II.

l,v / S fl/ w.i The Cr ° SS °?, W l lich our Savior died was discovered

h«- rl'li? i.H a '/° U reCa "- / basiHca was bui!t in which to P^ce
T, n .h " f ^ C " ncd 1 . there with E^at pomp on the shoul-
ders of the Emperor Heraclius.

Jh^l'c^™ TS y l U t ] if y0U shouId me et our Savior

ferM?,«»T' and ?' ?, h a 0U I d Say: * want y° u to carry this
•r Me just this one day"? That is exactly what He does when

Be allows you to suffer little difficulties during the day. Has He

^calculated your courage, perhaps, or your love to Him? £

Eo be dZ* mg today ' hang out = smi,e and say inside > " Tb y

160 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Slogan: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.— Our
Lady.

Sept. 15. THE SEVEN SORROWS OF THE BLESSHI)
VIRGIN

Mary stood at the foot of the Cross where Jesus was banging,
and, as Simeon had prophesied, a sword of sorrow pierced bei
soul.

There stood by the Cross of Jesus, His mother, and His mother's
sister Mary of Cleophas, and Salome and Mary Magdalen.
Introit, St. John xix.

In the Cross is infusion of heavenly sweetness; in the Croil
is strength of mind; in the Cross is joy of spirit.— Imitation oj
Christ, Book II.

Ideal: Were you ever very sick so that your mother worried
about you and sat up with you nights and did everything sin-
could think of to make you comfortable? Did you ever watch ;i
mother follow the coffin of one of her children to the graver*
Wasn't it painful even for you to see her sorrow? Jesus was om
Lady's Son. You had a share in His death, and, hence, you
helped to make our Lady's sorrows.

Today: Be especially kind to someone (outside of school) who
will probably not appreciate your kindness or who may even s;iv
sharp things to you in return. Do not complain even to one pel
son about hurting your feelings today, regardless of who hurt!
them.

Slogan: Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who
trespass against us.— The Our Father.

Sept. 16. ST. CYPRIAN, Bishop and Martyr

This saint was a convert. He was a genius. St. Jerome sayi
that his works are more brilliant than the sun. His name is listed
in the Canon of the Mass.

And though in the sight of men they suffered torments, their
hope is full of immortality. Afflicted in a few things, in many
they shall be awarded: because God hath tried them, and found
them worthy of Himself. — Epistle, Wisdom Hi.

This is not man's power, but the grace of Christ; which doth

SEPTEMBER 161

nnd can effect such great things in frail flesh, and that what it
naturally abhors and flies, even this, through fervor of spirit, it
now embraces and loves.— Imitation, Book II.

Ideal: Born of pagan parents, he received the wondrous gift
of faith. He was so brilliant that he and his works became
known to the whole of the Christian and the pagan world of
earning of his time and long after. It did not make him fool-
ishly vain, however.

Today: Take a sensible view of things. People who have
accomplishments, never need to "show off" because those accom-
plishments are great enough to be noticed without effort on the
part of the possessor. Only the person who "makes believe" must
nhow off to get any attention whatsoever. See how many times
loelay you can catch yourself "putting on airs."

Slogan: What fools we mortals be \— Shakespeare.

Sept. 17. THE IMPRESSION OF THE STIGMATA ON
THE BODY OF ST. FRANCIS OW1A1A UrN

In order that St. Francis might become an example to us all
•if his love for Christ Crucified, five wounds, resembling those
«ii Jesus on the Cross, appeared on his hands, feet, and side.

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our
Lord Jesus Christ: by Whom the world is crucified to me, and

r lo the world. — Introit. Galatians vi.

Set thyself then. Like a good and faithful servant of Christ
to bear manfully the Cross of the Lord, for the love of Him
Who was crucified for thee.— Imitation, Book II.

Ideal: St. Francis had been one of the gayest young men of
HiH time Not any of you probably will ever learn to dance as
Kracefully, nor to fence as dexterously as Francis of Assisi. But,
When he resolved to follow Christ, he followed Christ and be-
;nine, as it is claimed, the closest copy of the Savior the world
Dis ever known.

Today: Forbid yourself thinking that "some people have all
■ ■•• luck Students, like you, from homes like yours, with a
'"nner like yours, and troubles like yours, have become great
wints. You can become one as well. All that is necessary is
i ins: you must want to be a saint. But— if you were at the foot
ol a tall stairway and wanted to get to the top, you would not
|tl there by merely wishing it, would you, unless someone carried

162 CHARACTER CALENDAR

you up? Well, no one will carry you to sanctity. You must walk
up.

Slogan: Would you be a saint? Will it I — : St. Benedict's advice
to his sister, St. Scholastica.

Sept. 18. ST. THOMAS OF VILLANOVA

St. Thomas was adviser to Charles V of Spain, The money
he received was spent on the poor.

Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased God and wn*
found just.— Epistle. Ecclesiasticus xliv.

Vanity of vanities and all is vanity, but to love God and serve
Him alone. — Imitation, Book I.

Ideal: This saint lived in the court of Spain where he wan
adviser to the king. The money he received went to the poor
of Madrid. Note that men have lived in the quiet of the deserl
and in the whirl of a royal court and have managed to reach
sanctity. It is never the place; it is the person who makes thi
difference.

Today: Watch vour thinking today. See if you ever think
"If I had So-and-So's chances" or "Some people get all the breaks"
or "Oh, well, that teacher is partial" or "If 1 tried some of thl
things my younger brother or sister does I'd be killed," etc. ThoH
are marks of incipient jealousy which is bound to make you moil
unhappy all your life unless you conquer it. If you find yourscll
thinking these or similar thoughts, go at yourself "hammer and
tongs" to get over the habit. A good way is try to make your
self believe this: "I'm surprised folks are as nice to me as tln-v
are, seeing the sort I am."

Slogan: O wad some power the jriftie gie us

To see oorseT as ithers see us. — Robert Bums.
(The Church celebrates the Feast of St. Thomas of Villanova on
Sept. 22.)

Sept. 19. ST. JANUARIUS AND HIS COMPANIONS

From the 19th to the 26th of September, the blood of
Januarius preserved in a phial liquefies when brought near hli
body. He and his companions were martyred.

And I say to you. My friends: Be not afraid of them who kill

SEPTEMBER 163

the body and after that have no more that they can do.—
Gospel, Luke xii.

Give me courage to resist, patience to endure, and constancy to
persevere. — Imitation, Book III.

Ideal: There is power in a "gang." Usually all the mem-
bers do the same things in the same way. Januarius was the
leader of such a gang. They were all upstanding young men who
Ix-lieved in Christ and were proud of their faith and of their
Ideal, Christ. St. Januarius was so wonderful and so good that
his whole group followed him anywhere and when he was put to
death for his Faith, his companions were so inspired by his ex-
ample that they stood torture and death bravely just as their
leader had done.

Today: Watch the students in your class today to see what
things they do better than you and then try to copy them. Do
the right things they do better than you. If you notice anybody
• loing what he should not, profit by his example and don't do
worse.

Slogan: Make it like unto the pattern I have shown you on
the mount. — God's direction to Moses.

Hcpt. 20. ST. EUSTACE AND HIS COMPANIONS, Martyrs

St. Eustace was a general in the army of the Emperor Trajan.
Returning victorious from an expedition, he refused to thank the
Itods for this triumph. He and his wife and children were ex-
posed to the lions. St. Eustace is one of the fourteen auxiliary
Bints.

Our soul hath been delivered as a sparrow out of the snare

<>l the fowlers. — Gradual: Psalm exxiii.

They hated their lives in this world, that they might keep
llirm unto life eternal.— Imitation, Book I.

Ideal: A general in the Roman army, he fought battles for his
ftnperor and risked his life for his empire, but when he was com-
■minded to pour a grain of incense on the coals to honor the gods,
H refused. He was martyred; also his wife and children.

Today: When someone says to you: "Come on, let's do so-
and-so," what do you do? Find out today, if you are a tag-
it long or, if like St. Eustace, you obey when you should, and

164 CHARACTER CALENDAR

refuse to obey when you should refuse, regardless of consequences.
If you find you are a tag-along, set about acquiring a head of
your own.

Slogan: Be not as the dumb driven cattle; be a hero in the
strife.— Longfellow.

Sept. 21. ST. MATTHEW, Apostle and Evangelist

St. Matthew wrote one of the four Gospels. He is represented
by the animal with a human face, because he commences htl
Gospel by the line of ancestors from whom Jesus descended ax
man. His name is in the Canon of the Mass.

At that time, Jesus saw a man sitting in the customhouse,
named Matthew, and He said to him, "Follow Me." And he rOM
up, and followed Him. — Gospel, St. Matthew ix.

Oh, how many and grievous tribulations did the Apostles sufloi
and the Martyrs, and Confessors, and Virgins, and all the rest
who resolved to follow the steps of Christ:— The Following ol
Christ, Book I.

Ideal: St. Matthew was Levi, a rich tax gatherer. Our Savior
passed his booth one day, looked in at the little window and said
two words, "Follow Me!" That was all. Levi gathered up bin
money, went to his officials, turned in the money, resigned his
position and followed Christ. You notice he wasted no time
wondering "If I could only be real sure that I have a vocation "
etc. He heard the call and went.

Today: Perhaps you have noticed that when people set about
finding a suitable mate for life, they do not seem to wonder »
great deal whether they are "called" for that life or not. Havs
you ever felt you would like to serve God more directly in the
religious life? One person in 3,000 has a religious vocation
Laborers are needed in the vineyard. Pray today definitely for
light to know your own vocation, and pray for the missionary |
in foreign fields. Add one Hail Mary for your teachers.

Slogan: Pray, therefore, the Lord of the harvest that He sen.!
laborers into His vineyard.— Our Lord to the Apostles.

Sept. 22. ST. MAURICE AND HIS COMPANIONS, Martyr.

When the Emperor Maximilian led his army into Gaul, tbs
Theban legion, composed of 660 soldiers under the command d

SEPTEMBER j 6S

SL Maurice, refused to honor the gods. They were all massacred.

JheTthdr rS^ndhaT 6 ™? £«"*«***■ -d have
the Larnb.-^S a ^X^tv. them "^ h the b '° od ° f

. ^.rtrH/wlirh^lhv tS*, tH S- He , Wil1 not «** of
*. UP on His oX^TttJZ^^X ff -

wires," every one men ZriH.L-j. These men were "live
dents, or as good riSdS vl h ^ 3S f?' diers > or as stu "
«l.out St. Maurice and hiwnJ™ - hear ° f n ° thin S extraordinary
fer fighters S^i&'SSSSStS^^ *** Were bet "
l« all there is to beL a «in? n« ? e R ° man arm y- Tfaat

thing for the glory of God whSh 7 ° W d " ty - ™S and do everv -

yourself would no?"; alhled t^gram .*„£* t0 "^ y ° U
Slogan: Let me but do my work from day to day,

This s mv S' rCSt ' at the dcsk or lo ™

I his a my blessing, not my doom.-Fa» Dyke.

Hept. 23. ST. THECLA, Virgin and Martyr

martyrdom nnder Nero. TnfinTercession of S°S ! .^ .' uffered
IB the prayers for the dying mterceSS10n of St - The c'a * invoked

-^^^^srt^,r b » ring ° n the **-

bope to be ddivered^W * ' by Wh ° Se intercessi °n we

JSss^irf^si o7^«lTn f ™ tears t0 * ° f

h/tttery^rT figl tt tlSh"^ "SP* *»«« ,adv
l"-r convictions, U^JrinX^Et^" 48 - ?? J 00 * firm in
»!"• right thing. blt from what she considered

166 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Today: Whether a fellow student or the Tempter or your own
human nature try to divert you from the path of duty today
"stand by your guns'* and do what you should— that is, if you
have as much courage as this little girl Thecla.

Slogan: Know you're right; then go ahead.— Anonymous.

Sept. 24. OUR LADY OF RANSOM

The Blessed Virgin appeared on the same night to St. Peter
Nolasco, to St. Raymond of Penafort, and to James, king of
Aragon, requesting them to found a religious order for the ran-
som of Christian captives from the Saracens who then held a
great part of Spain.

It is truly meet and just, right and availing unto salvation,
that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto
Thee, Holy Lord, Father Almighty, everlasting God; and on
the feast of the Blessed Mary, ever a virgin, should praise and
bless and proclaim Thee.— Preface of the Feast.

If thy love be pure, simple, and well-ordered, thou shalt not
be in captivity to anything.— The Following of Christ, Book tlL

Ideal: During the time that so many Christians were being
seized by the Turks, our Lady came to the rescue, as usual. She
asked three men, great friends of hers on earth, to establish a
religious order for the redemption of captives. Do you get some
notion from this fact of how very interested in all of us our
Lady is?

Today: Say some very definite prayers today; first, to thank
God you are a Catholic; secondly, for the conversion of sinners;
thirdly, for the poor souls. Tonight, tell our Lady you did these
things to show your willingness to help her in a work she wants
done so badly.

Slogan: He that shall convert a sinner from his ways, shall
save his own soul from death and shall cover a multitude of
sins. — Our Savior.

Sept. 25. ST. FINBARR, Bishop

This saint built a school at Lough Eire which formed the
nucleus of the city of Cork. He was bishop of Cork seventeen
years and distinguished himself by his love for the poor.

SEPTEMBER 167

O Priest and Bishop, thou worker of all virtue, good shepherd
of thy people, pray unto the Lord for us.— Antipkon at the
Magnificat.

For Thou, O God, hast chosen the poor and the humble, and
those that are despised by this world, for Thy familiar friends
and domestics.— The Following of Christ, Book III.

Ideal: This saint did nothing extraordinary. He was a bishop
who went about administering confirmation, encouraging the
building of schools, and doing a great many things for which he
never received any credit. For instance, few people know that
it was he who established the beginnings of the city of Cork. But
that makes little difference. He did establish the city ; God knew
it and, after all, God is the only One Who makes a real recom-
pense to anybody.

Today: Don't lose time worrying that the world does not
appreciate you. The world is not big enough to appreciate gen-
uine worth, anyway, which may be the reason for your being
neglected. Anyway, you are working for heaven and for God,
nnd you would not want some subaltern foreman to pay you with
slugs when the Master Himself has told you to wait till He gives
you — all of heaven for a few years of service.

Slogan: And only the Master shall praise us, and only the
Master shall blame. And no one shall work for glory, and no one
ahall work for fame, but just for the joy of the working —
Kipling.

Sept. 26. SS, CYPRIAN AND JUSTINA, Martyrs

t Cyprian, a magician, was converted to Christianity by Justina.
They were inhumanly tortured for their faith and finally beheaded
under Diocletian.

But the salvation of the just is from the Lord: and He is their
protector in the time of trouble.— Introit: Psalm xxxvi.

And he who esteemeth himself the vilest of all men, and judgeth
himself the most unworthy, is fitted to receive still greater bless-
ings.— The Following of Christ, Book III,

Ideal: Cyprian was a magician who wanted to lead Justina
Into sin. Instead, she converted him and they both died martyrs
»o that she took him to heaven with her instead of Cyprian

168 CHARACTER CALENDAR

taking Justina to hell with him. Each person in the world exert »
an influence for good or ill upon every person whom he meets.

Today: Make the world better for your living in it. Youi
class is better or worse for your being in it. When you respond
with enthusiasm to a suggestion your teacher makes, or when
you growl afterwhile with a few cronies over the "queer thingl 11
some teachers do, you may be beginning something in the lives <»i
others that will go on forever. In any case, you are doing soma
thing to your own life that will show up in eternity. Think
about this, while you wait in ranks this noon, and while you
are getting out your books between classes during the day.

Slogan: Nor knowest thou what argument thy life to a nci^li
bor*s creed has lent. — Emerson.

Sept. 27. SS. COSMAS AND DAMIAN, Martyrs

These two saints were brothers, Arabian physicians, who healed
souls as well as bodies. They were most cruelly tortured to death
for their faith.

This is the true brotherhood which overcame the wickedm
of the world: it followed Christ, and possesses the peerless king
dom of heaven. — Gradual of the Feast.

For in whatsoever way I may arrange for my peace, my liffl
cannot be without war and sorrow. — The Following of Christ,
Book III.

Ideal: Two physicians these two brothers were, who used
their skill in healing bodies to win sick souls back to the serviie
of their Creator. We might end the little rime: "Doctors, law
yers, merchants, chiefs" this way "can become saints by the same
method: doing their duty well."

Today: Think seriously about the kind of work you would
like do after you leave school. While you are thinking about ii.
keep in the front of your mind the desire to do as much good al
possible.

Slogan: He serveth best who loveth best.

Sept. 28. ST. WENCESLAUS, Duke, Martyr

This saint was Duke of Bohemia. With his own hands he sowed
the wheat and pressed the grapes which were used for the Holy

SEPTEMBER 169

Sacrifice of the Mass. While praying in church he was killed by
ft band of conspirators.
No vena for the Feast of the Holy Rosary begins.

In Thy strength, Lord, the just man shall joy.— Introit,

Psalm xx.

pleasant and delightful service of God, which maketh a man
truly free and holy.— The Following of Christ, Book III.

Ideal: He loved the Blessed Sacrament so much that he hiro-
lelf raised the wheat and the grapes for the bread and wine to
be used at Mass. Would you be shocked if someone showed you
-i soiled piece of linen and told you it was to be used next day
for the lining of a tabernacle? The lining of the tabernacle
iirver really touches our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, but your
inngue does.

Today: If ever in your life you are tempted to say an im-
proper word or to speak unkindly of one of Christ's friends (and
nil men are that), remember that you must ask our Savior to
rest on that very tongue in Holy Communion. Keep your tongue
holy for that very reason.

Slogan: Body of Christ, save me.—Anima Christi.
Sept. 29. ST. MICHAEL

The Archangel Michael is invoked in the Confiteor, the Church
Mimmons him to the side of her children in the agony of death,
and chooses him as their escort from purgatory to heaven.

Holy Archangel Michael, defend us in the battle; that we may
not perish in the dreadful judgment. — Gradual of the Feast.

Fight like a good soldier; and if sometimes thou fall through
frailty, resume with greater courage than before, confiding in My
more abundant grace. But take very great care against vain
complacency and pride.— The Following of Christ, Book III.

Ideal: St. Michael knows by victorious experience how to fight
And to conquer the devil and his hosts. We pray to him each day
lifter Mass, if you notice, for victory over the devil.

Today: Cultivate a devotion to St. Michael and to the angels
in general. We are inclined to take the angels and their ministra-
llons very much for granted. They are powerful intercessors with

170 CHARACTER CALENDAR

God; you will find them very prompt in their attention to your
prayers if you call upon them often.

Slogan: He hath given his angels charge over you to keep
you in all your ways. — Psalm xc.

Sept. 30, ST. JEROME, Priest, Confessor, Doctor

This saint spent many years of his life in Bethlehem. He train
lated the Bible from Hebrew to Latin. Because of his learning
and sanctity he has been called a Doctor of the Church.

God, Who for the expounding of Holy Scripture, didst raisr
up in Thy Church the great and holy doctor, Jerome: grant, Wl
beseech Thee, that, helped by Thy grace we may put in practn.
what he has taught us both by word and by work. — Collect of
the Feast.

If thou didst know the whole Bible outwardly, and the sayingl
of all the philosophers, what would it all profit thee without
charity and the grace of God? — Imitation, Book 1.

Ideal: A brilliant Latin student, St. Jerome turned all hl»
ability to the translation of the Holy Scriptures. Not any accom
plishment you will ever have, need ever stand in your way tfl
sanctity. Indeed, if you use your talent as God intends, every
thing will be an aid to increasing God's pleasure in your soul.

Today: Look back over the month. It is over now. Whit
you have gained by way of self-mastery is yours forever. Wluit
you have lost, you must regain. Resolve today to spend October,
a day at a time, as nearly in conformity with the suggestions on
the bulletin as you can.

Slogan: Let the dead past bury its dead.— Longfellow.

OCTOBER

Oct. I. ST. REMIGIUS, Bishop

St. Remigius became archbishop at the age of 22. His pity and
Charity were boundless. By converting Clovis, the king of the
Franks, he made Christians of that whole nation.

Well done, good and faithful servant, because thou hast been
faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things:
enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. — Gospel; Matthew xxv.

And if thou couldst make a choice, thou oughtest to prefer
to suffer adversities for Christ, than to be delighted with much
consolation; because thou wouldst more resemble Christ, and be
more likened to all the saints: — Imitation, Book II.

Ideal: This saint brought King Clovis into the Church, as you
know from your history. He lived as far back as a.d. 533 and has
been greatly responsible for the Christianizing of all of France.

Today: Have you ever noticed how very little and insignifi-
cant the things are that we "preen our feathers" over? We wonder
I he world does not stand at attention at our passing in parade.
Fourteen hundred years ago, one very holy man converted a
nation, and we—??? Think about it today; you will have
accomplished something if tonight you can mean what you say
when you tell yourself "I am not very important after all."

Slogan: Behold the handmaid of the Lord! — Queen of

Heaven.

Oct. 2. THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS

It is generally thought that countries, states, cities, families,
churches, each have their protecting angel. We all have a guard-
ian angel whose eyes are ever upon us.

171

172 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Thus saith the Lord God. Behold, I will send My Angel, who
shall go before thee, and keep thee in thy journey, and bring
thee unto the place that I have prepared. — Epistle: Exodus xxiii.

For it is God that overseeth us, and we should exceedingly
stand in awe of Him, and walk in His sight wherever we may
be, as the Angels do in purity, — Imitation, Book II.

Ideal: This whole month is dedicated to the devotion to our
Guardian Angel. Also, October has been assigned to honor espc
daily Our Lady of the Rosary. The Rosary, you know, is made
up of prayers that have been composed almost entirely by God
Himself. If John D. told you personally "Whenever you want
anything, just come to me and say 'thus and so,' " what would
you do? Our Savior told us "When you pray, say 'Our Father,
Who art in heaven/ etc."

Today; Men like St. Alphonsus and St, Bernard have said
that no client of Mary has ever been lost. Resolve today upon
some definite thing you will do each day in honor of our Lady
and make it a life's habit. Also, look up a picture of the Guard
ian Angel guiding two little children over a bridge, the picture
you loved so much when your mother first told you of your
Angel at your side. Make yourself realize that you have such
an angel still, whether you be waxen four or lofty seventeen.

Slogan: Pray for us, sinners, now and at the hour of our

death,

Oct. 3. ST. THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS
(The Little Flower)

"I do not intend to remain inactive in heaven," this saint said
on her deathbed, "I wish to go on working for the Church and
for souls. After my death I will let fall a shower of roses."

I confess to Thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, be-
cause Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent ami
hast revealed them to little ones. — Gradual: Psalms Ixx.

Whosoever, therefore, with simplicity of heart shall raise up
his intention to God, and disengage himself from all inordinatr
love or dislike of any created being, he shall be the most apl
to receive grace, worthy of the gift of devotion. For the Lord
bestoweth His benediction there where He findeth vessels empty.
— Imitation, Book IV.

Ideal: This little saint is a type of saint who became great by

OCTOBER 173

doing little things perfectly. That is all you need do: your duty
well.

Today: Try to say your prayers with as little distraction as
possible; write each task as neatly as you can, have no spelling
mistakes, no crossings over, nor accidental blots. If you happen
to make a mistake, keep cool and do not allow anything to make
you impatient. -

Slogan: Patience hath a perfect work — St. Paul.

Oct. 4. ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI, Confessor

"The more the sublime enthusiast," says Montalembert,

"humbled himself and depreciated himself to make himself worthy

by humility and men's contempt to be the vessel of divine love,

the more, by a wonderful effect of God's grace, men rushed to
follow him."

Lo! Francis, he who was poor and lowly, enters, a rich man,
Into heaven: with their hymns the Angels give him welcome.

(iradual of the Feast.

Set thyself, then, like a good and faithful servant of Christ,
to bear manfully the Cross of thy Lord, for the love of Him
Who was crucified for thee. — Imitation, Book II.

Ideal: We had one feast of this saint on the seventeenth of
September, the Impression of the Five Wounds on his body. To-
day, we keep the Feast of St. Francis as founder of the Francis-
ran Order. He called his friars "Jokers of the Lord" and be-
lieved that if one was pleasing to God, he could always be
happy. St. Francis called all things in nature brother or sister.
All creatures made him think of God and seemed to exhort him
to praise the Lord as they did.

Today: If you are a live wire, bring a copy of St, Francis'
Hymn to the Sun to class and ask your teacher to read it. If you
believe in "letting George do it," you will miss one of those
opportunities you were told the other day would never come
your way again.

Slogan: Sun and moon, bless the Lord! — Ps. Benedicite.

Oct. 5. ST. PLACID AND HIS COMPANIONS

This saint, when only four years old, was committed to the
rare of St. Benedict who loved to take Placid with him when

174 CHARACTER CALENDAR

God gave him miracles to work. St. Placid became a monk, built
a monastery and was put to death by barbarians.

The white-robed army of martyrs praises Thee, O Lord. —
Gradual of the Feast.

He that seeketh anything else but simply God, and the salva-
tion of his soul, will find nothing but trouble and sorrow. And
he who doth not strive to be the least and subject to all, cannot
long remain in peace. — Imitation, Book J.

Ideal: St. Placid began living in a monastery when he was
still a very young child. Being good does not seem to have taken
the joy out of his life anymore than it does out of your life,
as you notice on days when you make special effort

Today: Have you ever said to yourself "Some time I am
going to get into the habit of going to Mass each morning," etc.
Do that right now, today. You will never again be as young

as you are today.
Slogan: As the twig is bent, the tree's inclined. — Pope.

Oct. 6. ST. BRUNO, Confessor

St. Bruno was gifted both by nature and by grace. He re-
nounced positions of honor and preferment to live a life of retire-
ment and penance in a wild solitude called the Chartreuse, where
he founded the Carthusian Order.

Very humbly, we implore, O Lord, the succor of the prayers
of St. Bruno, Thy Confessor: by our evil deeds we have deeply
offended Thy Majesty; may his merits and intercession win for
us Thy forgiveness. — Collect of the Feast.

Look upon the lively examples of the Holy Fathers, in whom
shone real perfection and the religious life, and thou wilt see how
little it is, and almost nothing, that we do. Alas, what is our
life, if it be compared with theirs! — Imitation, Book I.

Ideal: Some people are intended to be leaders, others followers.
The success of the scheme depends upon each person playing his
proper role. The successful tragedian would probably make a mess
of things if he attempted controlling the lights. St. Bruno was
intended to live the life of a leader. Those men who fell into their
role as his followers have become saints.

Today: Study your own case today. Can you take direction
from others, even of your own age and position? When you
assume leadership in any enterprise, can you get response from
others without "bossing" them? If you want a test for possible

OCTOBER 175

leadership in yourself, find out if it is very easy for you to obey.
Slogan: Neither can he successfully command who has not
learned willingly to obey. — Imitation.

Oct. 7. THE MOST HOLY ROSARY OF THE
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

To the Queen of the Holy Rosary, Daughter of the Father,
Mother of the Son, and Spouse of the Holy Ghost, the Church
asks us to offer a triple chaplet, or three crowns of roses which
she calls the rosary.

Make us, Lord, we beseech Thee, to prepare ourselves as is
meet, for the offering up to Thee of this sacrifice: and in the
mysteries of the most holy Rosary, so devoutly to go over the
life, passion, and glory of Thine only-begotten Son, as to be
made worthy of His promise. — Secret of the Feast.

Where thy treasure is, there also is thy heart. If I love heaven,
I love to think on heavenly things. — Imitation, Book III.

Ideal: You remember our Lord taught the Apostles how to
pray to our Father. Our Lady taught St. Dominic how to pray
I lie Rosary and asked him to exhort the whole Church to practice
I his devotion. Need any more be said as to how very much our
Lady must love to hear you praying the Rosary? You under-
stand, of course, that the wealth of indulgences attached to the
recital of the Rosary can be obtained only on fulfillment of the
conditions: state of grace and for the Dominican Indulgences, medi-
tation on the mysteries during the recitation.

Today: Can you manage to recite the Rosary today? It takes
fifteen minutes or less. Can you manage that much tomorrow?
Do you think you could say it every day? Perhaps you might
establish so intimate a relation with our Lady that you would
frel uncomfortable on any day you slighted her. Say the Rosary
rach day for one week and see if you can stop it after that time.

Slogan: Remember it has never been known that anyone who
fled to thy protection was left unaided. — St. Bernard.

Oct. 8. ST. BRIDGET OF SWEDEN, Widow

Bridget was born of the Swedish royal family. She was married
nnd brought up her eight children in a holy way. One of them
lircame St. Catherine of Sweden.

176 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Who shall find a valiant woman? Far and from the uttermost
coasts is the price of her. The heart of her husband trusteth her,
and he shall have no need of spoils. She will render him good
and not evil, all the days of her life. — Epistle: Book of Wisdom,
xxxi.

Prepare thyself to suffer many adversities, and divers evils, in
this miserable life; for so it will be with thee, wherever thou art,
and so indeed wilt thou find it, whersoever thou hide thyself.-
Imitation, Book II.

Ideal: The mother of a large family, St. Bridget became a
great saint by doing her duties well. Her duties were principally
those of a faithful wife and good mother. She did this so success
fully that her eight children are honored as saints. She herself
became a nun after her husband died and her children had all
been provided for.

Today: As the year goes on you will find that among the
saints are mothers of large families, farmers, monks, merchants,
soldiers, students, boys and girls in the fourth grade, seventh
grade, and high school. Do each duty today as if you were a
finished saint and did not want to spoil your record; then, keep
that up tomorrow and do not ruin things the day after. You
may die the day after tomorrow and you will be very glad for
two days of saintliness.

Slogan: As the tree falleth, so shall it lie. — Our Savior

Oct. 9. ST. DENIS AND HIS COMPANIONS, Martyrs

St. Denis was the first bishop of Paris. No sacrifice was ever
too great for him when there was question of the good of souls.
He is one of the fourteen Auxiliary Saints.

Let the people show forth the wisdom of the saints, and the
Church declare their praise; and their names shall live unto
generation and generation. — Introit: Eccksiasticus xliv.

Turn all occasions to thy spiritual profit, so that all the good
examples thou mayest see or hear of may stir thee up to imitate
them. — Imitation, Book I.

Ideal: This saint is a great patron of the French. He was the
first bishop of Paris. After laboring among the people there for
a long time, he was martyred by the pagans whom he had hoped
to convert.

I

OCTOBER 177

Today: Do you find it hard to have people misinterpret your
best intentions and say horrid things about you when you have
meant very well? Cheer up; you have never been put to death
by people for whom you are giving your life.

Slogan: You have not resisted unto blood. — St. Paul.

Oct. 10. ST. FRANCIS BORGIA, Confessor

After providing for the settlement of his children, St. Francis
entered the Society of Jesus, where despising all honors, he made
ii vow out of humility to refuse all dignities.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who art both the reward and the pattern
Of true humility; we beseech Thee that, even as Thou madest
blessed Francis follow gloriously in Thy footsteps by spurning
earthly honors, so Thou wouldst suffer us also to become his
companions alike in following Thee and in his glory. — Collect
of Feast.

It is vanity, therefore, to seek perishable riches and to trust
In them. Vanity, also it is, to court honors and to lift up one-
nclf on high. — Imitation, Book /.

Ideal: Francis Borgia was a grandee of Spain. The sight of
fhe transformation in the beautiful countenance of Queen Isabella
by death brought home to him the vanity of earthly things and
he resolved to leave the world and become a Religious.

Today: If you say to yourself "I think I shall go out to the
country to see the lovely leaves that are so wonderful this fall,"
you will never go at all if you wait till the first week in Decem-
ber to see them. Why? Because your opportunity is gone. The
leaves simply don't wait. This account of St. Francis Borgia is
meant to inspire you to set about being a saint. Be one today!

Slogan: Today I begin. — Motto of St. Ignatius.

.

ct. 11. ST. TARACHUS AND HIS COMPANIONS

Three times the young men in this group were tortured for
their faith. When they were thrown into a cage with wild
beasts, the animals crouched at their feet. Gladiators were ordered
to put the saints to death.

Therefore shall they receive a kingdom of glory and a crown
of beauty at the hand of the Lord: for with His right hand

178 CHARACTER CALENDAR

He will cover them, and with His holy arm He will defend them.

— Epistle; Wisdom v.

A good life maketh a man wise according to God, and giveth
great experience. — Imitation, Book L

Ideal: Have you ever noticed how much alike a crowd of boys
soon become? Either they get like their "gang" or they keep away
from them, St. Tarachus was the ringleader of a wonderful
crowd. They all became just like their leader or he would not
have them about.

Today: Either you are like your crowd or your crowd is like
you. Which? Have you ever seen one of these mantel mottoes
that reads "Christ is the silent listener to every conversation?"
Watch your conversation today so that anything you say or
to which you listen might meet with approval by Christ.

Slogan: "The mouth speaketh the fullness of the heart."

Oct. 12. ST. WILFRED, Bishop

"A quick walker, expert at all good works, with never a sour
face." As a bishop he had to combat the passions of wicked kings
and the errors of holy men; yet the battle he fought was won.

Behold a great priest, who in his day pleased God. There was
not found the like to him, who kept the law of the Most High.

— Gradual: Ecclesiasticus xliv.

They were aliens to the world, but they were very near and
familiar friends of God. — Imitation, Book I.

Ideal: You would have liked St. Wilfred had you lived "it his
time and known him. He was energetic and, once he saw what
was to be done, he lost no time getting the work done and done
well. You know the little saying about an idle mind being thr
devil's workshop. When you dally about, the tempter soon finds
a way to give you something to do at once. "Steal a march"
on him by being always so busy doing what you should thai
he may never catch you idle.

Today : It is Columbus' Day besides. How far would Columbia
have gone with his dreams if he stopped at "Now, I believe if
someone sailed west, he would come up on the eastern side." He
would have died at the pier. Do you admire St. Wilfred and
Christopher Columbus? Be like them! DO THINGS!

Slogan: Know you're right; then, go ahead. — Anonymous.

OCTOBER 179

Oct. 13. ST. EDWARD, King and Confessor

It is said of St. Edward that all who approached him en-
deavored to regulate their lives according to his. He was called
the father of the poor and of orphans.

Blessed is the man that is found without blemish and that
hath not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in

treasures. — Epistle : Ecclesiasticus xxxi.

The noble love of Jesus impelleth us to do great things and
cxciteth us always to desire that which is the more perfect.—
Imitation, Book III.

Ideal: This was Edward III, the predecessor of William the
Conqueror. We do not ordinarily think of kings and great magis-
trates as being great saints at the same time, because we think
they must necessarily be so busy, they have no time to serve God.
How queer! What is serving God? It is doing our duty as well
as we can, and doing that duty to please God, or because we love
God and naturally want to do all things as He would like us
to do them.

Today.' This idea of "doing one's duty" is getting monotonous.
Try to think of it this way: Imagine our Lord meeting you right
here and now and saying: "I have several little tasks I want done
today. This particular list of little tasks I should like you to do,
if you will." Have you the heart to do any of them slovenly, or
to omit one or the other entirely? He will know the record this
evening.

Slogan: Whatever you do, do with your might:

Things done by halves are never done right.

Oct. 14. ST. CALLISTUS, Pope, Martyr

This Pope instituted the Ember-Day fasts. He reigned during
the troublesome days of persecution. Instead of living at the
Vatican, he lived among the poor. He was martyred on October 14.

Every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men
in the things that appertain to God, that they may offer up gifts
and sacrifices for sins. — Epistle: Hebrews v.

Be ready on thy part to bear tribulations, and account them
the greatest consolations: for the sufferings of this life are not

180 CHARACTER CALENDAR

worthy to be compared with the glory to come, although thou
alone couldst suffer them all. — Imitation, Book I.

Ideal: Though this man had been raised to the highest position
a man can hold, he remained very simple in heart, thus meeting
the requirement our Savior set up when He said: "Unless you
become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom
of heaven."

Today: Look for the poem "The Boy and the Angel" by
Robert Browning and read it today. The notes will probably help
you understand it. Otherwise you can understand it by thinking
about it while you read. Let it be an inspiration to you to do
your best, no matter what your task.

Slogan: Life is a bundle of little things. — Holmes,
Oct. 15. ST. TERESA, Virgin

St. Teresa is the only woman who bears the title Doctor of
the Church. She converted thousands by her prayers. The Infant
Jesus appeared to her and called Himself Jesus of Teresa.

Graciously hear us, God Our Savior; that as we rejoice in
the festival of Thy blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be fed with
the food of her heavenly teaching and grow in loving devotion
towards Thee. — Collect.

Drink of the chalice of the Lord lovingly, if thou desirest to
have part with Him. — Imitation, Book II.

Ideal: St. Teresa of Spain is the kind of saint you must know
very well. There are so many lovely things in her life. Bring a
Life of St. Teresa to your teacher and ask to have it read in
class, or look up the life yourself and ask to tell it to the class.
She is one of the most interesting persons in heaven, and you
must know all about her.

Today: The outstanding feature about St. Teresa is her in-
tense love for our Lord. When you think very much of any-
body, you feel you can't do enough for them. St. Teresa felt that
way toward our Lord. She wanted never to die, but to live on
and suffer real pain of every kind to prove her love for Christ.
Don't express even one complaint today, but watch for oppor-
tunities to do things you find rather hard to do and offer them
as proofs of your love for our Savior. Perhaps you are not
very brave.

OCTOBER Igl

Slogan: But the greatest of these is charity (love). -St. Paul.
Oct. 16. ST. GALL, Abbot

for St kSand a an b d 0r rh«!n *£*& A§ I y ° Ung P " est he left ^nd

?^s:^/zZ hom are determined the merits <* £k

/rfea/: When you read of these heroic missionaries who left

these things without letting anybody notice, is Sic ' d0

p e ra 1 ctfce lt aU glV da S y y0U ^ " yW WUJ ^ ^ MffiFft

S^gon: Sacrifice is the measure of love. — Benson.
Oct. 17. ST. HEDWIG, Widow

of "rf? rtSfJTV?* Wi - fe °/ Henry ' Duke of PoIan d, the mother
of six children. She assisted at Mass every day, served the nrS

at table in person, and took care of the sick P

cat S en% h ef bre a d k idle We He r t0 vK PathS ° f her hoU8e ' and hath »<*
■tLcu ntr oread idle. Her children rose up and called her hlP«*H-

her husband praised her. -Epistle: Book of wE^Z***
They shall gain great freedom of mind, who for Thv nam-

182 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Today: It is said one never knows how much one can do
until one must. If you want badly enough to attend Mass each
morning, or to receive the sacraments, often you will find I
way to do so. Do you want to?

Slogan: Where there's a will, there's a way.

Oct. 18. ST. LUKE, The Evangelist

St. Luke, by profession a physician, was a companion of St.
Paul on his missionary travels. He is symbolically represented as
an ox because he begins his Gospel with the account of the priest-
hood of Zacharias and because the ox was usually the victim in
the sacrifices of the old law.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O Almighty God, that the great gift
we have received from Thy holy altar, may through the prayen
of the blessed Luke, Thine Evangelist, sanctify our souls and be
our reliance. — Postcommunion.

If only thy heart were right, then every created thing would
be to thee a mirror of life and a book of holy teaching. — Imita-
tion, Book II.

Ideal: Physician and painter that he was, you notice the littlfl
details he gives in the Gospel story. For instance, he is the onr
who tells that our Lord slept on a pillow that night in the boat.
As you read his Gospel, you find he seems to paint the pictures
for us, to help us live with our Lord as we read the story*

Today: Try to imagine what it would mean to you if you
knew nothing of the loveliest story in the world, the story of
Christ's life on earth. Then, say a prayer of thanksgiving, first
for your faith, and then for the sanctity and skill of St. Lukr
in writing his version of the story of Jesus among men.

Slogan: These things are written that, believing, you may
have life. — St. John.

Oct. 19. ST. PETER OF ALCANTARA, Confessor

St. Peter was a Franciscan. His penances were extraordinary.
After his death he appeared to St. Teresa and said: "0 blessed
penitence which has earned for me such great glory."

Brethren, the things that were gain to me, the same I havr
counted loss for Christ. — Epistle: Phil. iii.

Hold fast this short and perfect word: "Forsake all, and thou

:

OCTOBER 183

shalt find all; relinquish desire, and thou shalt find rest." —
Imitation, Book III.

Ideal: Whenever a saint is said to have been a confessor, that
means that he lived a holy life, but did not die a martyr. It does
not always mean that he was a confessor as we usually think of
that term. Today's saint was both, a holy man who did not die
a martyr and a confessor as wc understand that term. He was
the confessor of the lovely St. Teresa you know so well from
four days back.

Today: St. Peter was responsible for the sanctity of St. Teresa
o the extent that he helped her on toward a greater love for
God. By touching your cap when you pass a church, or by
making a careful sign of the cross or genuflecting very devoutly,
you may inspire someone to do the same; you become responsible
for the act of virtue that person subsequently makes when he
copies you.

Slogan: That men may see your good works and glorify your
Father in Heaven. — Our Lord.

Oct. 20. ST. JOHN CANTIUS, Confessor

St. John was a graduate of the University of Cracow where
he received all the academical degrees. He taught several years
at this university. Generously he shared his meals and the contents
of his wardrobe with the poor. He is especially invoked in cases
of consumption.

The compassion of man is toward his neighbor; but the mercy
of God is upon all flesh. — Ecclesiasticus xviiz: Introit.

The more thou knowest, and the better, so much heavier will
thy judgment therefore be, unless thy life be also holy. — Imita-
tion, Book /.

Ideal; A university man, who taught at the university during
I he day, he went about among the poor at night and tried to aid
(hem in every way.

Today: Very small minds easily get "stuck up" when they
Ihink they have a little more education than those among whom
I hey live. That is because it takes so very little to fill such minds
to running over. If you want to do any real good in the world,
you must first make people like you; but nobody likes a person
uho assumes superiority. Watch your thinking today and find
if ever you think "Dear me, I'm glad I am not like so-;

184 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Slogan: He that exalteth himself shall be humbled. — Our Lord.

Oct. 21. ST. URSULA, Virgin and Martyr

St. Ursula, in company with many other British maidens, fled
from England to the continent during the Saxon invasion. In the
vicinity of Cologne she founded a girl's school. When attacked
by the Huns, she and her companions courageously gave their
lives for their faith and chastity.

After her shall virgins be brought to the King: her neighbors
shall be brought to Thee with gladness. — Gradual: Psalm xliv.

I will give thee for this short labor a reward eternal, and for
transitory confusion glory that is infinite. — Imitation, Book III.

Ideal; These young women rather gave up their lives than
commit sin, or give up their faith. How much can you stand if
someone tempts you to do something against your conscience and
calls you a poor sport or a "fraidy cat"?

Today: There is no nobility in accepting a dare. When you arc
asked your opinion on certain things, do you say what you think,
or do you say what you think the questioner wants you to say?

Slogan: Only the good are brave.
Oct- 22. ST. HILARION. Abbot

At the age of fifteen this saint broke all home ties and wcnl
to live in the desert with St. Anthony. The aim of his life was
to do good to others and to remain unknown.

Beloved of God and of men, whose memory is in benediction
— Epistle: Ecclesiasticus xiv.

It is a great honor, a great glory, to serve Thee, and to
despise all things for Thee. For they who willingly subject them
selves to Thy most holy service shall have great grace. — ImiUi
tion, Book III.

Ideal: Only fifteen, and he left home to become a hermit.
Ordinarily, we don't mind doing great things once in a while, but
we do want to get the credit for it, and we see to it that the
world knows we have done this and that.

Today: Just how many chances can you "sneak" today to do
nice things for other people, for your parents first of all, without
letting them know who did it?

OCTOBER 185

Slogan: When thou dost an almsdeed, stand not in the
marketplace. — Our Lord.

Oct. 23. ST. THEODORET, Martyr

Rather than make a compromise in matters of religion, St.
Theodoret suffered a cruel martyrdom. He threatened his judge
with the judgment of God. A little later the judge died.

I For thou hast prevented him with blessings of

sweetness
Thou hast set on his head a crown of precious
stone. — Introit : Psalm xx.

No man is fit to comprehend heavenly things who hath not
resigned himself to suffer adversities for Christ. — Imitation,
Book II.

Ideal: St. Theodoret died for his faith. You may never be
called upon to die for your faith, but you are expected each day
to live for it.

Today: If your neighbors did not know you are a Catholic,
is there anything about your life that would lead them to surmise
as much? Be very careful about your conduct on the street and
among people. A Catholic is always under very severe scrutiny.
You can be a missionary without going into foreign parts.

Slogan: Thy kingdom come. — The Our Father.

Oct. 24. ST. RAPHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

St. Raphael, a name meaning "God heals," was sent by God
to cure Tobias. He is one of the seven spirits who always stand
before the Lord and ofler Him the incense of their adoration and
that of men.

May the angel Raphael, physician of our salvation, help us from
the heights of heaven, heal all diseases and guide our faltering
ateps toward the true life. — Hymn at Lauds.

Lo! heaven and earth, which Thou hast created for the
service of man, stand prepared, and daily perform whatsoever
Thou hast commanded. And this is but little; for Thou hast
also created and appointed angels for the service of man, —
Imitation, Book III.

Ideal: About this time in September we had St. Michael.
Raphael is the angel who accompanied Tobias on his journey.

186 CHARACTER CALENDAR

He is a patron of travelers, and as we are all travelers through
life, it is well to call on St. Raphael, especially when we are
about to make important decisions.

Today: Say a prayer today to St. Raphael for the grace to
know your vocation in life and also a prayer for the grace ol
perseverance in God's grace.

Slogan: He hath given his angels charge over thee.

Oct. 25. SS. CRISPIN AND GRISPINIAN, Martyrs

These two brothers were missionaries in France. During tin-
day they preached and at night they worked at making shoes.
The example of their holy lives converted many to the faith.

In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die; and their
departure was taken for misery; and their going away from
us for utter destruction: but they are in peace.— Epism:
Wisdom III.

Out of Me both little and great, poor and rich, as out of I
living fountain, draw living water; and they who freely ami
willingly serve Me shall receive grace for grace. — Imitation,
Book III.

Ideal: These two men were shoemakers, if you please. Dur
ing the day they worked for souls and at night they mended
soles. Because they were so industrious and pious, they converted
many to the faith.

Today: Does not the example of all this galaxy of saints sej
you on fire to be a saint in your particular occupation? You
can be a saint running an oil station or a millinery shop. Jusi
love God and your neighbor. If you truly love God and your
neighbor, you will keep all the Commandments.

Slogan: On these two commandments depend the whole law
and the commandments. — Our Lord.

Oct. 26. ST. EVARISTUS, Pope and Martyr

St. Evaristus was a Greek by birth. He was the first Pope
to create cardinals. He suffered martyrdom under Trajan.

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for, when hr
hath been proved, he shall receive the crown of life.— Epistle;
James i.

Now the way of man is not always in his own power, but li

OCTOBER 187

bclongeth to God to give and console when He willeth, as much
as He willeth, and whom He will, just as it shall please Him
it nd no more. — Imitation, Book III.

Ideal: Head of the church, he gave his life for his faith. Our
Lord had said "They have persecuted Me, they will persecute
you." These men felt honored when they could suffer something
for their faith. Do you?

Today: When things go a bit roughly with you, try to think
lhat you deserve much worse, and remember that others have
suffered far more than you would be brave enough to bear.

Slogan: To suffer or to die. — St. Teresa's Motto.

Oct. 27. ST. FRUMENTIUS, Bishop

A pirate crew captured the ship on which St. Frumentius was
nailing to Ethiopia. All the passengers were put to death but
(lie saint and his brother. They were saved because of their wit.

Watch, because you know not what hour your Lord will come.
'—Gospel: Matthew xxiv.

I am He Who teacheth men knowledge, and Who giveth a more
dear understanding to little ones than can be taught by man. —
Imitation) Book III,

Ideal: St. Frumentius saved his life from the pirates when he
was captured by them, by being funny and witty. You remember
About St. Francis calling his men Jokers of the Lord. St. Paul
lays that "the Lord loveth a cheerful giver" and St. Francis de
Sales, "You can catch more flies with a spoonful of honey than
with a barrel of vinegar."

Today: Be just as cheerful as you can all day. If it rains when
you wanted to go hunting, smile anyway, and be glad it is fine
for those who want to fish.

Slogan: Whatever way the wind doth blow,
Some heart is glad to have it so.

ct. 28. SS. SIMON AND JUDE, Apostles

St. Simon was called Zelotes. With untiring zeal he brought
many souls to Christ. St. Jude is popularly invoked as the saint
of "impossible cases."

Their sound went forth into all the earth; and their words
to the ends of the world. — Offertory: Psalm xvm.

188 CHARACTER CALENDAR

For he that loveth God with his whole heart, feareth neither
death, nor punishment, nor judgment, nor hell; for perfect love
giveth secure access to God. — Imitation, Book /.

Ideal: You do not know much about these two men, nor does
anybody, and yet they were our Lord's Apostles. The world
need not know much of you, if only our Lord thinks well of you.

Today: Try to imagine a case in which you are misjudged of
something. Store up courage now to bear that patiently should
it ever happen (and it will), and take comfort in the fact that
our Lord knows better.

Slogan : And only the Master shall praise us

And only the Master shall blame. — Kipling.

Oct. 29. ST. NARCISSUS, Bishop

To help people out of a difficulty, this saint once changed water
into oil. God protected this saint by visibly punishing those
who wished to harm him.

I have found David My servant, with My holy oil I have
anointed him: for My hand shall help him, and My arm shall
strengthen him. — Offertory: Psalm Ixxxviii.

There is no man in the world without some trouble or afflic-
tion, be he King or Pope. — Imitation, Book I.

Ideal: Like the miracle our Lord worked to help people out
of an embarrassment, this saint changed water into oil for people
who needed it. Of course, that kind of miracle is going on each
day in nature about us.

Today: Do you ever stop to say "Thank you, Lord, for the
lovely weather, or for my kind parents, or for the beautiful
stars"? You complain often enough when the weather is not as
you would have it. Make up for some of that lack of balance
today.

Slogan: For, all things great or small,
The good God made them all.

Oct. 30. ST. MARCELLUS, The Centurion, Martyr

A distinguished captain in the army of Trajan, this fearless
soldier of Christ refused to sully his honor. Unflinchingly he
suffered death for his faith.

OCTOBER 189

He kept him safe from his enemies, and defended him from
seducers, and gave him a strong conflict, that he might overcome
and know that wisdom is mightier than all. — Epistle; Wisdom x.

Give all for all; seek nothing; call for nothing back; stand
purely and with a full confidence before Me, and thou shalt
possess Me. — Imitation f Book III,

Ideal: Another Roman soldier, who knew how to handle a
sword for his emperor when that was the thing to do and how
to bend his neck to the sword when that was the right thing.

Today: Always, we must come back to the same chorus of
the old song: Be a saint by doing what you should when you
should. Do it today!

Slogan: Do the duty that lies nearest thee.

Oct. 31. VIGIL OF ALL SAINTS. FEAST OF
ST. QUINTIN, Martyr

Finding St. Quintin proof against promises and threats, the
persecutors tortured him barbarously. Amidst his sufferings, he
prayed for others.

If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and
take up his cross and follow Me. — Communion: Matt. xvi.

Ideal: The lovely month of October is over. Have you had
the heart ever to omit the Rosary? How do you feel about it
now? And your Guardian Angel? When he compares notes with
the other angels of this school, is he embarrassed to death or
does he go right to the head of the rank with the best protege
of all?

Today: Of course, this is Halloween, and you want to have
some fun. Do have it and "loads" of it, but have the kind that
your angel will join and that our Lady and our Lord may look
on in satisfaction.

Slogan: I shall never pass this way again.

THE LAST SUNDAY OF OCTOBER, CHRIST THE KING

Feast of the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This feast
was instituted at the end of the Holy Year of Jubilee by His
Holiness Pius XI. This feast sets the crowning glory upon the

190 CHARACTER CALENDAR

mysteries of the life of Christ already commemorated during

the year-
Ruler of all from heaven's high throne,
O Christ, our King ere time began,
We kneel before Thee, Lord to own
Thy empire o'er the heart of man.

— Second Vespers oj the Feast: Hymn.

For the sake of Jesus, we have taken up the Cross; for Jesus'
sake let us persevere in it. He will be our helper, Who is our
Captain and Forerunner. Behold our King marcheth before us,
Who will fight for us. — lmitation } Book ///.

Ideal: Just before the Grand Review which our King, the
King of kings, is to have on the first of November, He Himself
holds a reception. Always He is the meek and humble Christ,
going about among men in the hidden guise of the Eucharist,
Even today He makes no sound. What glory shall come to Him,
must come through the spontaneous offering of His loyal subjects.
And shall we not glorify Him?

Today: Will you not glow with pride today to be a follower
of Christ? Let there be an exultation in your prayers today. Lei
them be prayers of thanks and praise. Let your prayers be offer
ings of your heart, of your whole being to Him. It is little to
offer. None but your loving King would want you (knowing you
as only He does), but He does. Do not permit Him to say "Son,
give Me thy heart." Offer it to Him. This one day, be all His
Have no time for anyone, for anything else in the world, but
for your King. You are on private duty today for Heaven's
King, for your King; you cannot be requisitioned by even a
subaltern officer, much less by any mere private.

Slogan: My King and my God!

NOVEMBER

Nov. 1. THE FEAST OF ALL SAINTS

In addition to the saints whom the Church honors day by day,
there are hundreds whose names are not recorded. Among them
arc undoubtedly members of our own family. It is to honor all
I he saints in heaven that this feast has been established.

f T u is ^ da ^ w , e keep ' with one great cr y of J°y> a feast in memory
of all Gods holy children; His children whose presence is a glad-

EF 8 t *».i eaven » His children, whose prayers are a blessing to earth;

His children, whose victories are the crown of the Holy Church.

Second Nocturn: Fourth Lesson, St. Bede.

It is a great honor, a great glory, to serve Thee, and to despise
nil things for Thee. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: In a few years, this will be our special day of celebration
in heaven, if we have lived a holy life, day for day, that is.

Today: Do not waste your time wishing you were a saint. That
|Cts you nowhere. Will to be one. How? That sharp answer you
were just going to give to so-and-so, don't say it. The unkind
remark you were about to make, say something kind, or say noth-
ing. That complaint about your aches and pains, or about the
weather, swallow it; be glad you have something to suffer to prove
your love for God. And so on, through this day, do the lovely
(Fungs you have been doing all these days in conformity with the
Miggestions on this bulletin. If you succeed in doing most of those
linngs today, you will probably find it possible to do the same
tomorrow. By and by, it will become a habit to do things right
mid you'll be a saint before you know it.

I Slogan: He that perseveres to the end, he shall be crowned.
i 191

192 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Nov. 2. ALL SOULS' DAY

On this day the Church makes intercession for all those who
suffer pains of purgatory. The souls in purgatory are helped by the
suffrages of the faithful, especially by holy Mass.

Full of tears and full of dread,

Is the day that wakes the dead ;

Calling all with solemn blast,

From the ashes of the past;

Lord of mercy, Jesus blest,

Grant the faithful light and rest. Amen.

— Sequence: Dies Irae, Thomas de Celano.

Ideal: Have you ever been very homesick? Have you ever
longed to see someone you knew you could simply never see again ?
Can you imagine a longing like that intensified to such a degree
that death would be a relief? That is the longing of the souls in
purgatory for the vision of God. Our soul has been made for God,
and naturally wants to fly to Him when released from the body.

Today: You have it in your power to satisfy that intense lonp-
ing of the poor souls. Our Lord's longing for these souls is in fin
itely greater than their longing for Him. Will you not do whnl
you can so easily do to satisfy His craving and theirs incidentally?
Attend Mass for that intention each day. Say the Way of the
Cross whenever opportunity presents. You will not forget, will you,
that your turn is coming perhaps next week, or tomorrow?

Slogan: Have pity on me, have pity on me, at least you my
friends, for the hand of the Lord hath smitten me. — Job.

Nov. 3. ST. HUBERT, Bishop

This saint is the patron of hunters. In his honor bread is blessed
in some churches. The Church asks God to preserve those who <;ii
of this bread from the bite of mad dogs, from the plague, and
other diseases.

My truth and My mercy shall be with him: and in My name
shall his horn be exalted. — Offertory: Psalm Ixxxviii.

Behold I know all men, and see all things that are done tin* In
the sun; and I know how it is with everyone — what he thin I.
what he would have, and at what his intention aims. — Imita
Hon: Book III.

NOVEMBER 193

Ideal: Not so long ago, we had two saints who were shoe-
makers. This saint was a remarkable hunter. In fact, he is the
patron of hunters. It is said, though, that he was too fond of
the chase, and God brought him to his senses by a vision at which
Hubert left forever the sport he so loved and gave himself entirely
to the service of God and hunting souls.

Today: Perhaps you simply must have some ice cream, or a
cookie or two after school each day or you think you will die. You
cannot love those things more than St. Hubert loved hunting,
(live them up for today. For this one day, give up as many
things as possible that you might class under luxuries. The self-
control which is developed by giving up luxuries for the love of
God makes you strong and soldierlike.

Slogan: Give and it shall be given you, pressed down and
heaped up and running over.

Nov. 4. ST. CHARLES BORROMEO

Created a Cardinal when only 23 years old, St. Charles was one
of^the most prominent figures in affairs of the Church. Though a
prince of the Church, he devoted much of his time to the poor
and sick. The city of Milan will never forget his charity during
I he great plague.

O thou priest and bishop, thou worker of mighty works, thou
Kood shepherd over God's people, pray for us unto the Lord.—
A ntiphon*

If thou aim at and seek after nothing else but the will of God
«nd the neighbor's benefit, then shalt thou enjoy interior liberty. —
Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: While St. Charles was bishop, the great plague visited
Milan. He led the procession in a garb of penance and prayed
God to stop the plague. His prayer was heard.

Today: You have certainly thought, if not said "I've prayed
«nd prayed and I don't get anywhere." Have you? How much
rffort have you made in the meantime to overcome some of your
little "meannesses" or to do little penances to merit God's atten-
tion? Try that on one thing you want very badly and see how
well it works.

Slogan: Lord that I may see!

194 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Nov. 5- FEAST OF THE HOLY RELICS

After having solemnized on All Saints' Day the feast of the holy
souls who have entered heaven, the Church honors on this day the
holy relics of their bodies which will remain on earth until the
glorious resurrection, a pledge of which we venerate in their ashes.

Many are the afflictions of the just, and out of all these the
Lord hath delivered them: the Lord keepeth all their bones; not
one of them shall be broken. — Introit: Psalm xxxiii.

Saints and friends of Christ, they served our Lord in hunger
and thirst, in cold and nakedness, labor and weariness, in watch -
ings and fastings, in prayers and holy meditations, in frequent per-
secutions and reproaches- — Imitation: Book J,

Ideal: Our bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost. That accounts
for the solemnity of Christian burial, and consecration of the
ground in which those bodies are buried. That explains, too, why
we venerate in a special manner the relics of the saints.

Today: You know, of course, that relics of some saint arc
sealed in the altar stone of every Catholic church. Go over to
church today and say just a little greeting to the saint whose
relics are in the church. It was with that body that saint walked
this earth as you do today. Ask for some direction as to how to
reach the goal as well as the respective saint did.

Slogan: Know ye not ye are temples of the Holy Ghost?

Nov. 6. ST. LEONARD

The holy example of St. Remigius led this saint to leave the
court of France and become a missionary. He spent much of his
time in inducing prisoners to accept their imprisonment in the spirit
of penance.

Fear not, little flock, for it hath pleased Father to give you
a kingdom. Sell what you possess, and, and give alms. — Gospel:
Luke xii.

Spiritual consolations, indeed, exceed all the delights of the
world and pleasures of the flesh. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: A splendid example of a man who believed in making the
best of things. He saw the fine example of another man who was
making a saint of himself, and set out to do the same. That is

N OVEMBE R 195

seizing an opportunity; that is what you are being asked to do
every week or so.

Today: Do you like the weather today, or the length of the
lessons you are getting or the kind of work you are asked to do
at home, or the present hard times? Unless you can really change
those things, make the best of them, and don't complain. If you
mind being caught in the rain without an umbrella, probably
everybody who gets drenched feels the same, so — make the best
of it.

Slogan; It is better to be able to like what you have than to
have what you like.

Nov. 7. ST. WILLIBRORD

The blessing of God seems to rest visibly on the apostolic work
of this saint. His pleasantness of manner won the hearts of all. He
worked many miracles and had the gift of prophecy.

Behold an high priest who in his days, pleased God and was
found righteous. — Lauds: First Antifhon.

The lover flieth, runneth, and rejoiceth, he is free, and cannot
be restrained. He giveth all for all, and hath all in all; because
he resteth in one sovereign good above all, from whom all good
floweth and proceedeth. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: St. Willibrord was the kind of saint you were asked to
copy yesterday. Nothing could disturb his peace of mind. In all
things that happened he could find some means for practicing
virtue. He was the kind of saint who would rejoice with the
ducks on the day it rained when he wanted to go to a picnic.

Today: You have probably read or heard the poem that ends
at each stanza with "It all depends upon the state of mind." That
was a slogan of the saints. They feared nothing, nor fretted about
anything except a possible offense of God. Think about it; nothing
else in the world is really a misfortune except that. Bring Every-
man to class and ask your teacher to read it to you; it will prove
that statement made in the last sentence.

Slogan: What exchange shall a man give for his soul?

Nov. 8. THE OCTAVE DAY OF ALL SAINTS

In the Liturgy of the Church the Feast of All Saints is celebrated
for eight days. These eight days are called an Octave.

196

CHARACTER CALENDAR

fWh!* tw VCd bret r re - n ' T Sh0uld kee P wel1 in om mind and
thoughts that we are living here meanwhile as strangers and pil-
grims. — Second Nocturn: Lesson, St. Cyprian.

bire S r?n h f a Si, n Z s f any r ,0 -r, r - ° f ? is heaven,y kin g dom - but few
oearers oi His cross. — Imitation: Book II.

*££"£ f In u eaVen ' of C0 V rse ' ^e™ are no ni 'ghts to break up the
days; but, when a great feast like that of All Saints occurs th
church keeps the feast for eight days -on earth, that L And
ew years hence, if you have lived well-done your duty day
for day -you WI J1 be included among those whose feast we keep

carver i£ a O J™\ kn0W an ,y thin S of Dante's Paradiso? No one
can ever imagine heaven, because no one can ever imaeine a
being so generous and wonderful as God; but, take a iK tin,

hlSulSSJ? lm3g T y °K Ursdf in heave °^d then sudden"
» liSr? to . fi forfeit your ,P ,ace beca «se you were unwilling to make
a little sacrifice to do a little duty you do not like. And then ?

.Jl°Jr-\ N £ f t ye hath seen - nor ear hath heard, nor hath it

Trtr^Tptr* what God hath prepared ^ *»

Nov. 9. ST. THEODORE

Romir^M- choice t bet ween apostasy and death, St. Theodore, a

Jfe fofch ' p t0 be buraed a,ive rather than t0 der »y ,

This man is holy, for he hath striven for the law of his God
goX ""for Tl'Jt h ? h Tr **"* f ° r the WOrS of ** «"

To glory in tribulation is not hard to him who loves- for u
to glory is to glory in the cross of our Lord. - ImitationTbook II I

i/floo^uf iJS.T bUmed alive L that St™ v ^ terribl,-

ftnrSJ h J ir ' Sf d C °, Urage en0Ugh t0 carr V h ™ through „
torture he knew could not last more than a few hours at the rLl

I harder re inT g " ed,y ^ "f™ "?■ teasil * tortures <* KftKS

Snrfirf* S y ' aS y ° U know if you have trie d- but heaven i,

worth it all, as you reasoned out yesterday yourself.

Toddy: Have you the disagreeable habit of complaining of food

ZJSESfiSSZ?'' th * at is an act of disrespect besides ^i

up your mind today never to comment on the food unfavorably

NOVEMBER 197

S:VoLV; ;Hwn reIiSh ^ m ° ther ' S «"*** * * — you
ctaffiioSJ.* - ^ Wh ° CaD d ° better *- ■ right to criti-
Nov. 10. ST. ANDREW AVELLINO

law Slln 'felfS^fw^^f V " y **«>« ^ the
I iced in the cSh courts OnJ ^ ^ t0 the bar - he P™-
Almost immedSy after he came ffl" 8 a ^ b f told a lie "
that lieth killeth SeS.,P' 1 upon these words: "The mouth

the Theatine Order gEVe " P hlS ,aw business ™* entered

;j Man boketh on the face, but God seeth the heart.- Imitation;

w/slutdTnto SS4 a^R^t ^ P*" 1 - »~— he
with the education and the virtu frf ArSf *"* V?"^ 11 a man

so undesirable a thing here rnn.t L Andrew t A Yelhno finds a lie
pa^ habit that "evf ry^y Sfe £* ft-fr a

^^^^ff L !M^A ? f 7»« " -ry much
usually very disagreeable Sfciates With h dul <»»*?««»«*. and
»teali„g, unfairnefs, cheatfng et uS a K H* after * COmeS
ashamed of himself that he "has ; not ?S «• ma \ become s either so
hardened that he has no *&&£*£?* ° *** ^ ° r S °
S/<w Oh what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practice to deceive!

Nov. 11. ST. MARTIN OF TOURS

cut it in two giving the heS w f ?™5 ™ hls warm cIoa k he

-PPeared to MSn^rin^ ha"// c?oak ." *" "**' ^ L ° rd

That happy man , St. Martin, the bishop of Tours, hath entered

198 CHARACTER CALENDAR

into his rest: to welcome him came forth the angels and arch-
angels, the Thrones, the Dominations, and the Virtues. — Gradual
of the Feast.

Many are His visits to the man of interior life, and sweet
the conversation that he holdeth with him; plenteous His consola-
tion, His peace, and His familiarity. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: The giving of half his cloak to a beggar has gone down
in history so that everybody knows of it. Knows of it — no more.
Do you ever do more than merely think how lovely it is to be
charitable till it hurts?

Today: Christmas is a bit more than a month away. Suppose
you begin today to forego some luxuries you might lawfully enjoy
and with the money saved buy some clothing or food, or bettei
still, send the money to persons you know are needy. Don't lei
them ever know from whom it came. Don't ever tell anybody
you did it. You'll remember the joy of Christmas of this yeai
for a long time.

Slogan: Whatever you do unto the least of these my breth
ren, you have done unto Me.

Nov. 12. ST. MARTIN, Pope and Martyr

Because of his energetic opposition to heresy, St. Martin wai
kidnapped and taken from Rome to Constantinople. Banished to
a desert place, he died of sickness and starvation.

Dearly Beloved, if you partake of the sufferings of Cbriit,
rejoice, that when His glory shall be revealed you may also bl
glad with exceeding joy, — Epistle: St. Peter iv.

Son, cast thy heart firmly on the Lord, and fear not hum.m
judgment, whensoever the conscience gives testimony of thy pietj
and innocence. — Imitation: Book HI.

Ideal: This is another St. Martin. This saint was martyred foi
speaking out his convictions when he felt he must do so or bl
guilty of treason to his faith.

Today: When you are in a group whether either another pel
son's character is being defamed or your own sense of propriety
is aroused, what do you do? Do you join in and smile at it all
or walk away to show your displeasure? The same group will
probably never indulge in the like again when you are present

NOVEMBER 199

You may even do something for them regarding their topics of
conversation even when you are not present.

Slogan: Birds of a feather flock together.

Nov. 13. ST. STANISLAUS KOSTKA

St. Stanislaus was of a noble Polish family. One of the
brightest and most sweet-tempered of saints, a devout client of
the Blessed Virgin and of St. Barbara, he was only 18 when
he died as a novice in the Jesuit Order.

Because God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to
confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of
the world to confound the things which are mighty. — Eighth
Lesson: Third Nocturn.

Thou must be naked and bear a pure heart toward God, if
thou wilt be free, and experience how sweet the Lord is. —
Imitation: Book II.

ideal: You'll be a saint when you get old because young folks
are not supposed to be so sanctimonious? You would never have
thought this young saint sanctimonious. He lived by the slogan:
Whatever you do, do with your might. He did what he did,
not because everybody was doing it, but because it was right.
One time his older brothers had made up their minds that this
young brother would do something which that same young brother
knew was wrong. When they thought to frighten him into yield-
ing by attacking him physically, he doubled up his fists and taught
those older brothers something of clever boxing.

Today: Ask for For Greater Things by Father Kane at the
library. It is the story of this saint. You will read the book
through before you can lay it down. You will need no induce-
ment to try to imitate Stanislaus; you will want to of your
own accord.

Slogan: Having perfected a long life in a short time.

Nov. 14. ST. DIDACUS, Confessor

Too humble to aspire to the priesthood, St. Didacus or Diego,
was a simple lay brother in the Franciscan Order. His special
devotion was to the Passion of our Lord. Oil from the lamp
that he kept burning before a statue of the Blessed Virgin cured
the sick.

200

CHARACTER CALENDAR

t B i eSS TT- is the man that doth meditate on the law of the

Ja ??, deligIlt fe t . h , erdn day and ni 8 ht > and whatsoever he
doeth shall prosper. — Matins : First Antiphon.

Truly a lowly rustic that serveth God is better than a proud
philosopher who pondereth the courses of the stars, and neglect
etn himself. — Imitation: Book I.

Ideal: Like St. Francis of Assisi, this saint was too humble
to aspire to the priesthood, so he remained a brother all hi-,
life. Monsignor Benson says in one of his books "Very few
except the most mortified saints, fail to feel satisfaction at their
H r? T m l **m*m» We all love to see our name in print, to
think that the whole world is talking about us, that there neve,
was a person quite as wonderful as we, even if it be in nothing
more wonderful than driving nails.

Today: When somebody does better than you in a test do
you think and say, "Oh yes, if I had the time and the chances,
and got all the breaks like so-and-so," or do you say "so-and-so
has real talent and uses it too. If I studied like that, I wouiil
do better too"; which?

Slogan: Envy hath slain its tens of thousands.

Nov. 15. ST. GERTRUDE

St. Gertrude wrote Latin with unusual elegance and force. Ai
abbess she ruled her convent in sweetness and charity. She wa*
one of the first saints to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart.

( .°, Go f Who didst build up for Thyself a pleasant home In
the heart of the holy virgin Gertrude: for the sake of her merit-*
and prayers, do Thou wipe away from our hearts every stain
01 sin, nor refuse us a share in that happiness which is hem
f orevermore. — Collect.

Verily, Thou art my Beloved, the choicest among thousands, in
Whom my soul is well pleased to dwell all the days of its life —
Imitation: Book IV.

Ideal: Another splendid saint like St. Teresa whose feast wi
had on the fifteenth of last month, as you recall, St. Gertrude
was very highly educated. Best of all, she was, like St. Teresa
an intense lover of our Lord. He once showed her a crown of
roses and one of thorns and asked her to choose. "I have no
will but Yours," she said. "Will You choose for me?" What
would you have done?

NOVEMBER 201

hearts are hang™ for ,^ *U*£? '* a "Paraxon. Young
a heart in the world where ^JmV^'hT, J hm is "<*

mo^S more 6 " HCatt ° f JCSUS ' ' im * rc "»« ' -"* love Thee

Nov. 16. ST. EDMUND OF CANTERBURY

*£% Pa* 5MKS2? fi ""-ersity St. Edmund Rich

after his death ^ IIL He Was agnized four years

side-stepping your conscience oHnV H™ ° r m SOme wa y
asked because you STbd TJZul h ? V °^ I 0u wiU be
thinsr. What about ?t? "wS have cd vn a " d , broad ^out e Very .
previous to today? you done m *"* cases

5/^ a n: Choose today whom you would rather serve.
Nov. 17. ST. GREGORY THAUMATURGUS

202 CHARACTER CALENDAR

rock moved from its place, a river changed its course, a lakl
was dried up.

Amen, I say to you, that whosoever shall say to this mountain,
Be thou removed and be cast into the sea; and shall not Stagge]
in his heart, but believe, that whatsoever he saith shall be done,
it shall be done unto him. — Gospel: Mark. xii. 23.

It is better to supplicate the saints in devout prayers and team,
and with an humble mind to implore their glorious suffrage
than by a vain inquisitiveness to search into their secrets.
Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: Do you think the things this saint did were wondn
ful? You can work much greater miracles. It is plain to see thai
the saint himself had little to do with the actual moving of thfl
rocks, or the drying up of the lake; God did that at the saint h
prayer. If you remove from your own life the rocks of selfish
ness, and dry up the lakes of vanity and vainglory, you mull
do most of that yourself, assisted by His grace, of course. Bui
your part of the task is not at all easy, as you know, if you
know, if you have ever tried-

Today: Sometime today, when nobody is watching you, draw
lines representing by their length the strength and vigor of the
virtues you have practiced since you began reading this bulletin
in September. Later on, when we have lines long enough to see,
we shall draw them long enough to represent the bad habih
we have corrected, and how much we have corrected them.

Slogan: If a man shall succeed in a lifetime to destroy a singli
bad habit entirely, he shall have done well.

Nov. 18. ST. ODO OF CLUNY

It was the ambition of St. Odo's father to see him occupy h
distinguished place at court. But Odo's dream was realized when
he became a Benedictine. His winning personality made him an
efficient peacemaker between contending princes.

Triduum for the Feast of the Presentation begins today.

Good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy
Lord. — First Vespers: Antiphons.

All the saints, the higher they are in glory, the more humble
they are in themselves, the nearer to Me, and the more belovnl
by Me. — Imitation: Book III.

NOVEMBER 203

Ideal: Do you think St. Odo was foolish to sacrifice a place
in court fd become instead a monk, to bury himself in a
monastery? What would you think of a man who turned down
the chance to become county sheriff because he knew he could
run successfully for U. S. Senator? Odo gave up the chance
tor a place in a plain mortal's court for a place in heaven's court.

«Wh? t ay J Jh Cy 2? ° f St -" f F rancis Xavier that th * thought
What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer

the loss of his own soul" took such possession of his mind that

he found no peace till he left all things to join the newly founded

order of Jesuits. Give that thought some space in your mind

today, and see what it does for you.

Slogan: What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world
and suffer the loss of his own soul?

Nov. 19. ST. ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY

Charity to the poor was the distinguishing characteristic of this
saintly queen. In the m.racle of the roses God stamped the seal
of approval on her love for the sick and unfortunate.

Laud we the saint most sweet

Shining in glory blest,
Who bore a hero's noble heart

Within a woman's breast.

— Lauds: Hymn.

Son, let not the labors which thou hast undertaken for Mv
sake crush thee, neither let tribulation, from whatever source cast
thee down ; but in every occurrence let My promise strengthen
and console thee. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: This lovely saint is known to every Catholic. You rec-
ognize her at once with the roses falling from the folds of her
mantle.

LE?P ; i R ?< a * d the H - e of ,. this dear saint - You wi » sa y alm °st

instinctively "A saint just like my mother!" And she was that.
She hved her life m exact fulfillment of her duties; that is all.
She was a faithful wife, a dutiful mother, a good neighbor always
ready to help the poor and needy, never allowing the fact that
she was a queen forbid her to associate with those whom she
might aid.

Slogan: Do the duty that lies nearest you.

204 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Nov. 20. ST. FELIX OF VALOIS

St. Felix belonged to the royal family of France. Wishing to
put aside any claim to the throne, he renounced all he possessed
and retired to the desert. With St. John of Matha he founded
an order for the ransom of captives.

The just shall spring as the lily; and flourish forever beforr
the Lord. — Gradual: Psalm cxi.

Thou must become a fool for Christ's sake, if thou wishes!
to lead the life of a religious. — Imitation: Book I.

Ideal: Are you inclined to be amused at these saints who throw
aside wonderful opportunities of being a king or of filling somfl
other prominent position? Do you know who was the famous
man in the baseball world before Babe Ruth? The only glow
that will profit any famous personage in his position is God's
love.

Today: Students who practice for speed in typing often write
this line: "Write it on your heart that every day is the very
best day of the year." Change that slightly to "Write it on your
heart that nothing is worth a lifetime of effort but God's love
and heaven."

Slogan: Nothing is worth a Ufetime of effort but God's lovr
and heaven.

Nov. 21. THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED
VIRGIN MARY

When only three years old the Blessed Virgin was presented
in the temple by her holy parents. Tradition tells us that sh<-
remained here for some time in company with other young girls
in the care of holy women.

Her's was the hidden treasure of modesty, her's the high stand-
ard of faith, her's the self-sacrifice of earnestness, her's to be the
pattern of maidenhood at home, of kinswomanhood in ministry,
of motherhood in the temple.

Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself as this little one,
he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: Your love for our Lady has, no doubt, made you fore-
see the approach of this lovely feast.

NOVEMBER 205

Today : Say all your prayers, do all your work as you think
our Lady would do them, and try to imagine her watching you
trying to imitate her. If your little sister has ever been caught
imitating your mother, you know how your mother loved to
watch her.

Slogan: He that is mighty hath done great things to me.
Nov. 22. ST. CECILIA, Virgin and Martyr

St. Cecilia is the patroness of musicians. Born at Rome, of an
illustrious family, she consecrated her virginity to God when
she was still a child. The house in which she lived and suffered
martyrdom has been transformed into a beautiful church.

The musicians played, and the maiden Cecilia sang in her heart
unto the Lord alone, saying: Lord, let my heart and my body
be undefiled, that I be not ashamed. — Matins: First Responsory.

Free me from evil passions, and cure my heart of all disorderly
affections; so that inwardly healed and well purified, I may be-
come apt to love, courageous to suffer, and steadfast to persevere.
— Imitation: Book HI,

Meal: St Cecilia is typical of the kind of woman who inspires
those who admire her to become like her. She was good and holy,
and became the inspiration for Valerian to become a Christian
and give his life for his faith as she did.

Today: Everybody who meets you is better or worse for the
meeting. You cannot go to heaven alone, nor can you miss going
there alone; that is, you influence one way or the other those
with whom you live. Think about this today, and tell yourself
ot what kind your influence must be.

Slogan: I am a part of all I have met.

Nov. 23. ST. CLEMENT, Pope and Martyr

It is said that St. Clement was consecrated bishop by St Peter
whose successor he became. In order to bring relief to Christians
who had been condemned to work in marble quarries, he caused
a miraculous stream of water to flow from a rock.

And I looked, and, lo, a lamb stood on the mount with a river
ol water of life proceeding from under his feet. — Lauds: Third
Antiphon.

206 CHARACTER CALENDAR

The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear?
If whole armies should stand together against me, my heart
shall not fear. The Lord is my Helper and my Redeemer.—
Imitation: Book IIL

Ideal: You notice how readily God seems to hear the prayers
that are said for others. So often, when we pray it is for sorre
selfish interest of our own. We ought often to pray for others —
for the sick, the dying, and those in distress and temptation.

Today: Life is rather difficult at its best. As long as we are
all companions in misery on the way to heaven, why not give
each other a "lift" occasionally along the upward climb? It will
make the way far less unpleasant for ourselves.

Slogan: Who gives himself with his gift, feeds three: himself,
his hungry neighbor, and Me.

Nov. 24. ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS, Confessor

From bitter experience St. John learned what it meant to he
misunderstood by those of one's own household- He was an ardent
coworker of the great St. Teresa.

Christ once asked him what reward he would have for so
much work; whereto he replied: "Lord, that I may suffer and
be disesteemed for Thy sake." — Matins: Sixth Lesson.

I have received, from Thy hand, the Cross; I will bear it, and
bear it even unto death, as Thou hast laid it upon me. Truly the
life of a good religious is a cross but it is also the guide to
paradise. — Imitation: Book III,

Ideal: When you do some kindness for another and mean to
make that other person very happy by surprising him with your
little act of attention, when that person so helped interprets your
action as "interfering in his affairs" — what is your reaction?

Slogan: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of
the Holy Ghost.

Nov. 25. ST. CATHERINE, Virgin, Martyr

St._ Catherine was able to outargue the most learned men of
her time and succeeded in bringing a number of them to Christ.
Angels carried her body to the top of Mt. Sinai.

NOVEMBER 207

After her shall virgins be brought to the King: her neighbors
all be brought to thee with gladness. — Gradual: Psalm xiv.

I am He Who teacheth men knowledge, and Who giveth a
more clear understanding to little ones than can be taught by
man. He to whom I speak will quickly be wise and will profit
greatly in spirit. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: You must know the life of this saint. You cannot
appreciate some of the loveliest art pictures, nor some lovely
poems unless you know St. Catherine; most of all, you would
miss knowing one of the most charming patrons of students.

Today ; Get the Catholic Encyclopedia and read the life of
St. Catherine of Alexandria. No more need be said; you will
know what to do after you have read her life.

Slogan: Virtue and science.

Nov. 26. ST. PETER OF ALEXANDRIA, Bishop, Martyr

St. Peter's repeated message to his flock was to the effect that
m order not to fear death, it was needful to begin by dying to
self, renouncing our will, and detaching ourselves from all things.

And whosoever doth not carry his cross and come after Me
cannot be My disciple. — Gospel: St. Luke xiv.

Oh, most bright day of eternity! which no night ever ob-
scureth, but which the Sovereign Truth always enlighteneth. A
day always joyful, always secure, and never changing its state
for the contrary. Oh, that this day would shine forth, and that
all these temporal things would come to an end!

Ideal: There is nothing out of the ordinary to say of this man.
He wasnot extraordinary. He simply did, as all saints have done,
his ordinary duties extraordinarily well. You need do no more
than that yourself to become a saint.

Today: Why should your tasks become a routine? Certainly
you do not do your work the same two days consecutively. Don't
you try to do it just a bit better each day? Start today. You
know the slogan of Gold Medal Flour: Eventually! Why not
now?

Slogan: Eventually! Why not now?

208 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Nov. 27. ST. MAXIMUS, Bishop

A living example of his own teaching, this saint understood
perfectly the art of leading others to love God and to do good.
Forced to accept the bishopric of Riez, he overcame his repugnance
and proved himself an excellent bishop.

Feast of the Miraculous Medal of Mary Immaculate.

There was not found the like to him, who kept the law of
the Most High. — First Vespers: Second Antipkon.

Thy abode must be in heaven, and thou shouldst look upon
all earthly things as it were in passing. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: Here is another saint who became such by making the
best of things. He did not want to be a bishop, but when he
realize there was nothing to prevent it, he was bishop as well as
he could.

_ Today: When your teachers assign you some special task, it
is because they have faith in your ability. They should know as
much about that as you. Attack any task thus assigned as if you
had as much faith in yourself as others have in you. Do your best;
no one expects more.

Slogan: Do your best; angels can do no better.

Nov. 28. ST. JAMES OF LA MARCA OF ANCONA

Educated at the University of Perugia, St. James was a private
tutor. A visit to the Church of St. Francis at the portiuncula
decided his vocation. He became a Franciscan.

The just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow up
like the cedar of Libanus in the house of the Lord. — Gradual:
Psalm xri.

It is a great honor, a great glory, to serve Thee, and to despise
all things for Thee. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: You will note much about St. James, like St. Matthew.
Each heard the call of God to a higher life, left everything and
followed the call.

Today: So often it happens that young people who feel them-
selves called to a higher life, argue that they could not leave
home, etc. What if they should die? Or, should they embrace
the married state, would they go on living with their parents?

NOVEMBER 209

Slogan: He that loveth father or mother more than Me is
not worthy of Me.

I Nov. 29. ST. SATURNINUS, Martyr

This saint was the first bishop of Toulouse. On his way to
cnurcn he was seized by heathens and asked to offer sacrifice
In consequence of his refusal he was tied to a bull and draped
through the streets of the city.

My hand shall help him and My arm shall strengthen him.—
Gradual: Psalm IxxxviU.

Oh, if thou couldst see the everlasting crowns of the saints
in heaven, and in how great glory they now triumph, who
appeared contemptible heretofore to this world. — Imitation:
Book III.

Ideal: The account of this martyr's death is almost too grue-
some for words. And yet, the saint's reasoning was philosophic;
in a few hours it will all be over and heaven lasts forever.

Today: Will you try to keep that in mind today, particularly
if you have something to do you dislike very much?

Slogan: Heaven is worth everything.
Nov. 30. ST. ANDREW, Apostle

This apostle was always eager to bring others into notice. He
died on a cross in the form of an X. For two days he hung
suffering upon the cross preaching to those who came to visit him.

The blessed Andrew prayed saying: Lord, King of eternal
glory receive me hanging on this gibbet. — First Vespers:
Antzphon 2. r

rThen all the servants of the cross, who in their lifetime have
conformed themselves to Him that was crucified shall come to
Umst their Judge with great confidence. — Imitation: Book IT.

Ideal: This is St. Peter's brother. You know a great deal more
about his brother than about St. Andrew, and yet, it was
Andrew who brought Peter to Christ the first time. He was
that kind of man, always pushing others forward.

Today: Whenever you can give another the credit for work
at has been done in partnership, do so.

Slogan: Honor to whom honor is due.

DECEMBER

Dec. L ST. ELIGIUS

St. Eligius was a goldsmith in Paris. As a reward for his
hones ty, the king offered him a place at court. Fearing the temp-
tation to loose living might prove too strong for him, he practiced
severe penance and resorted to ejaculatory prayers. His charity for
captives was boundless.

Godly and prudent, meek and chaste past telling,
Nought of ungoverned lust his living staineth,
Whilst, in the members of his body dwelling,
The soul remaineth. — First Vespers: Hymn.

He whose taste discerneth all things as they are, and not as
they are said or accounted to be, is truly a wise man, and taught
rather of God than of men. — Imitation; Book IL

Ideal: Before the Great War, in which our country joined in
1917, there was much preparation going on everywhere in the
land. Ammunition was being stored, guns were built, even band-
ages, etc., were prepared for the care of the wounded. Then, when
the war actually was on, everything was ready. This life is a
warfare and this saint had the good sense to get his ammunition
prepared in proportion to the danger.

Today: You are due for a call up to the front at any time
and you have no way of knowing exactly how powerful the
enemy will be except from the experience of those who have met
him previously. Say the Our Father just as devoutly as possible
today and think of each good act as so much ammunition against
future possible attacks.

Slogan: Lead us not into temptation.

210

DECEMBER 211

Dec. 2. ST. BIBIANA, Virgin and Martyr

The parents of this saint were both martyrs. A wise and pru-
dent virgin, St. Bibiana feared the loss of her innocence more than
the deprivation of all her wealth. Tied to a pillar she was scourged
to death.

Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good
pearls. Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went
his way, and sold all he had had, and bought it. — Gospel: Mat-
thew xiii.

He that loveth must willingly embrace all that is hard and bit-
ter for the sake of his Beloved, and never suffer himself to be
turned away from Him by any contrary occurrences whatsoever.
— Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: In these days when so many girls make nothing of en-
dangering their loveliest possesion, purity of soul, this young saint
stands out as a beautiful example of death rather than sin.

Today: The poet Young wrote a splendid line when he said:
"Guard well your thoughts; our thoughts are heard in heaven."
Keep that in mind always, and mind that if our thoughts are
heard in heaven, certainly our deeds are known there.

Slogan: Guard well your thoughts; our thoughts are beard in
heaven.

Dec. 3. ST. FRANCIS XAVIER, Confessor

In the University of Paris this saint was making a name for
himself as a brilliant professor of philosophy. He was an intimate
friend of St. Ignatius who saw in the young man great possibil-
ities for heroic self-sacrifice. The oft-repeated words of St. Igna-
tius; "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and
suffer the loss of his soul," finally induced him to become a Jesuit.
He became the apostle of the Indies.

The Lord guided the just in right paths, showed him the king-
dom of God, and gave him knowledge of holy things, made him
rich in his travails, and multiplied the fruit of his labors. —
Prime: Chapter

For when the grace of God cometh to a man, then is he power-
ful for all tiings. — Imitation: Book II.

212 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Ideal: Of course, you would be interested in Ramon Navarro,
in Babe Ruth, in Bobby Jones, in Lindbergh, and Byrd. What
would you think of a young man who had all the skills of these
several combined and was a teacher at the university besides?
Francis Xavier was such a man, handsome, wealthy, athletic,
brilliant, charming.

Today: Take just a few minutes' time to count up the good
it would have done Xavier had he kept on making a name for
himself? Then, try to count up the good it has done him and
the world that he did as he did. Balance your columns and draw
your own conclusions.

Slogan: What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world
and suffer the loss of his own soul?

Dec. 4. ST. PETER CHRYSOLOGUS, Doctor of the Church

On the same day St. Barbara, Virgin and Martyr — St. Barbara
was brought up a heathen. Her father jealously kept her secluded
in a lonely tower. In her enforced solitude she studied and prayed,
took instruction by stealth, and was baptized. Upon learning what
Barbara had done, her father ordered her tortured and finally be-
headed. A flash of lightning killed the father. St. Barbara is one
of the fourteen Auxiliary Saints.

Come thou spouse of Christ, receive the crown, which the Lord
hath prepared for thee from eternity: for Whose love thou didst
shed thy blood. — Gradual: Psalm xliv.

If Jesus be with thee, no foe can harm thee. Whoever findeth
Jesus findeth a good treasure — yea, a good above every good.
— Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: Have you ever heard people bemoaning that they have
no chance? Have you done it yourself perhaps? This saint had a
pagan father who vowed Barbara would not learn of the fool-
ishness of Christianity. She managed to learn all about it, to be
baptized, and even to die a martyr at the hands of her own father.

Today: And you? What of your opportunities? And what
have you to show up for them? There is no reason, you know,
except that God was infinitely generous, that you were not born
in the wilds of unexplored Africa. Resolve this minute never to
envy other people's chances; to thank God for your special priv-
ileges instead.

Slogan: He that is mighty hath done great things to me.

DECEMBER 213

Dec. 5. ST. SABBAS, Abbot

St. S abbas lived in Palestine in a cave on the top of a moun-
tain at the bottom of which flowed the Brook Cedron. Fasting*
and austerities were conducive to the health of this saint for he
lived to be 94 years old.

He asked life of Thee and Thou hast given him length of days
forever and ever. — Gradual: Psalm x%.

It is by resisting the passions, therefore, and not by serving
them, that true peace of heart is found. — Imitation: Book L

Ideal: Fasting and prayer did not seem to shorten the life of
this man, for he lived to nearly 100 years. You have noticed
that you feel better when you have denied yourself something at
a meal, and it gives you the feeling of strength of character be-
sides.

^ Today: Self-denial becomes a great deal easier when you make
it a habit. Decide upon some little mortification you will practice
always at meals. (This is Advent, you know.) For instance, when
you spread butter on bread, you might always miss the whole
crust with butter and no one would notice except God and your
angel.

Slogan: Habits grow by unseen degrees,

As brooks make rivers and rivers run to seas.

Dec. 6. ST. NICHOLAS, Bishop

This saint never grew old. All his life he retained the bright
and guileless manners of his youth. He once helped a destitute
father by throwing a bag of gold through an open window and
hurrying away.

Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, Thou hast
crowned him with honor and glory, and madest him to have do-
minion over the works of Thine hands. — Second Nocturn:
Psalm vtii.

Be not ashamed to wait on others for the love of Jesus Christ,
and to be looked upon as poor in this world.— Imitation: Book L

Ideal: Santa Claus owes his name to this saint, as you know.
Besides loving him as the originator of a very delightful custom,
we would do well to know something more of his exemplary life.

214 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Today: It is not so very difficult to do kind things for others
when the whole world stands up in the bleachers to give us a
cheer of praise, but to do things for others without anybody ever
knowing, that is honest- to-goodness charity. Try to do a few
acts of the latter type, and if you find it hard, do many more.

Slogan: Let not your left hand know what your right hand
doeth.

Dec. 7. ST. AMBROSE, Bishop

St. Ambrose received a liberal education in Rome. As bishop
of Milan he knew no fear in defending the rights of the Church.
He was the friend and consoler of St. Monica, the mother of St.
Augustine, and had the joy of admitting her son to the Church.

O right excellent teacher, light of the Holy Church, St. Ambrose,
blessed lover of Divine law, pray for us to the Son of God.—
First Vespers: Antiphon.

He that hath true and perfect charity seeketh himself in noth-
ing, but only desireth God to be glorified in ail things. — Imita-
tion: Book I.

Ideal: St. Ambrose was tender in his encouragements to St.
Monica when she fretted about her wayward son Augustine, but
when the Emperor Theodosius took it for granted that he mighi
retain his place of honor in the cathedral though guilty of a pub-
he misdemeanor, this tender Ambrose met him at the door and
forbade him entrance.

Today: Do you say "Yes, yes," when everybody else says
that, regardless of your real convictions? Don't sacrifice truth or
honor or virtue to be a "good fellow." You win no man's respect
by such conduct and, what really matters, you lose God's respect.

Slogan: They make clean the outside of the cup.

Dec. 8. THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Having decided from all eternity to make Mary Mother of the
Incarnate Word, God willed that she should crush the head of the
serpent from the moment of her conception. He covered her with
a mantle of holiness and made her soul which He preserved from
all stain, a worthy dwelling place for His Son. On December 8,
1854, Pope Pius IX ofiicially proclaimed the Dogma of the Im-
maculate Conception,

DECEMBER 215

Thou art all fair, O Mary: and the original stain is not in thee.
Thy vesture is white as snow; and thy face is as the sun. — First
Vespers: Antiphon.

O happy mind and blessed soul! which deserveth to receive
Thee, her Lord God devoutly, and in receiving Thee to be filled
with spiritual joy. — Imitation; Book IV.

Ideal: This is our Mother's greatest feast. And, oh, are you
not proud of your Mother? Of course, you can never really ap-
preciate the fact that our Lord gave her to you, His Mother to
you. And today, while the angels surround her with songs of
praise for her, their Queen, they are honoring your Mother, Queen
of the Angels, but your Mother.

Today: It is hard to say words today; all one can do, is to
keep from shouting for sheer exultation and happiness at the
glory that heaven and earth shower on your Mother, knowing
all the while that amidst the clouds of incense from angels' cen-
sers, amidst the songs of saints and angels, your Mother thinks
of you, waits with love for your mite of praise.

Slogan: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Dec. 9. ST. LEOGADIA, Virgin and Martyr

St. Leocadia was a native of Toledo in Spain. Because she re-
fused to deny her faith, she was thrown into prison. When she
heard of the martyrdom of her friend, St. Eulalia, she prayed to
die. God heard her prayer. There are three churches in Toledo
that bear her name.

Double the palm of triumph which she beareth,
Strove she to vanquish woman's fear of death:
Quelled now the hand of death and hell appeareth
Her feet beneath. — First Vespers: Hymn

It is a fearful thing to die; perhaps it will be still more dan-
gerous to live longer. Blessed is the man that hath the hour of
his death continually before his eyes, and daily putteth himself
in order for death.

Ideal: Today you have another example of a young woman
who had the courage of her convictions. When the persecutors
thought to frighten her by torture, they found there was nothing
could terrify this Christian but sin.

Today: There is nothing in the world that is real misfortune
except sin. All other things that seem misfortune end in less than

216 CHARACTER CALENDAR

a hundred years mostly. Sin and its consequences last through
life and may extend into eternity. Think about it.

Slogan: Nothing is worth doing wrong for. — Nancy , in "Silas
Marner!'

Dec. 10. ST. EULALIA, Virgin and Martyr

"All this you will escape if you will but touch a little salt and
frankincense with the tip of your finger." This remark was made
to St. Eulalia after she had been shown instruments of torture.
Without hesitation she chose rather to sacrifice her life than to
deny her God.

Virginity is not to be praised because it is a grace which is
poured forth in martyrs, but because it is a grace which maketh
martyrs. — Matins: Fourth Lesson.

If thou hadst a good conscience, thou wouldst not much fear
death. It were better to shun sin than to fly death.— Imitation:
Book I.

Ideal: This saint was a friend of St. Leocadia whose feast wc
had yesterday. That is a test for the right kind of friendship,
mutual inspiration to right.

Today: You call some people your friends, of course. Take
just a second or two to think this thing out. Why are you a
friend of so-and-so and not of so-and-so? You know the old
adage; Tell me with whom you go and I shall tell you who you
are.

Slogan: Birds of a feather flock together.

Dec. 11. ST. DAM ASUS, Pope and Confessor

St. Damasus was a man of great learning, well versed in the
Scriptures. Through his efforts the cemeteries in Rome where rest
the bodies of many saints, were beautified. He extolled the pre-
rogatives of virginity in poetry and prose.

He established the usage which already prevailed in many
churches, of singing the Psalms, both by day and by night, by
alternate choirs, and of adding at the end of each Psalm the
words, "Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost."

Love Him, and keep Him for thy friend, Who, when all forsake
thee, will not leave thee, nor suffer thee to perish finally. — Imi-
tation: Book II.

II DECEMBER 217

Ideal; You note that St. Damasus was interested in the beauti-
fying of the resting places of the Christian dead. Our body is the
temple of the Holy Ghost and, hence, the Church respects it ac-
cordingly. Greater concern is due the soul, however.

Today: Have you ever stopped to think how very partial we
all are to our body and our soul is scarcely thought of? We eat
three times a day r sometimes lunch between, clothe our body very
luxuriously at times, gratify it in every way and are quite con-
cerned always about its wants. Only God can satisfy the long-
ings of our soul, as you know.

Slogan: Thou hast made our heart for Thee, O God, and our
soul is restless until it rests in Thee. — St. Augustine.

Dec. 12. ST. VALERY, Abbot

The chief aim of St. Valery's life was to draw near to God by
penance and prayer. His holy example inspired a number of his
friends to aid him in founding a monastery,

> Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Well done thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faith-
ful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things;
^^ enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. — Matins: First Responsory.
Above all things, and in all things, do thou, my soul, rest al-
ways m the Lord for He is the eternal rest of the saints.— Imi-
tation: Book III.

Ideal: You have read so often in this book of the power of

| good example. The saint of today illustrates that power once

t~ore.
Today: Know that you can help in a very practical way to
read God's kingdom by leading a very good life. And you
should know by this time that all you need do to lead a good
life is to do each duty, one at a time, well.

Slogan: Nor knowest thou what argument thy life to a neigh-
I bor s creed has lent. — Emerson.

I Dec. 13. ST, LUCY, Virgin and Martyr

At the tomb of St. Agatha, St. Lucy obtained a miraculous
cure for her mother. In gratitude St. Lucy distributed all her
wealth to the poor and consecrated her virginity to Christ. De-
nounced as a Christian she rejoiced to shed her blood for Christ.

218 CHARACTER CALENDAR

In patience hast thou possessed thy soul, Lucy, bride of Christ:
thou hast hated the things that are in the world, and art glorified
among the Angels: thou hast shed thy blood, and conquered
the adversary. — First Vespers; Antiphon.

I am accustomed to visit My elect in two manner of ways;
namely, by trial and by consolation. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: St. Lucy is a very popular saint among the Italians,
as you know. Dante has immortalized St. Lucy in his Divine
Comedy. But mere hat waving and loud singing in wmi
honor does not mean a thing if our life is not such that the
saint need not blush at our demonstration.

Today: Whether you are Italian or not, do honor to St. Lucy
by some attempt at imitation of her courage. If you are Italian,
you have all the greater reason.

Slogan: Not he that saith: Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
Kingdom of Heaven, but he that doeth the will of My Father,
Who is in heaven.

Dec. 14. ST. NICASIUS, Archbishop and his Companions,
Martyrs

In a futile effort to save Rheims from destructive barbarians,
St. Nicasius exposed himself to their fury hoping to save his help-
less people. He was mercilessly beaten with clubs and finally be-
headed.

This is he who loved not his life in this world, and is come
unto an everlasting kingdom. And he is numbered among the
saints. — Matins: Third Responsory.

Drink of the chalice of thy Lord lovingly, if thou desirest to-
be His friend and to have part with Kim. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: Our Lord said; "Greater love than this no man hath,
that he lay down his life for his friends." When you are asked to
do a favor that means great personal sacrifice, do you say: What
do I get out of this"?

Today: Watch for a chance today to do something for some-
body who could not do anything for you in return, and be glad
if he does not even thank you for your kindness. Be sure to
make the good intention first.

Slogan: If you do good to them that love you, what reward
shall you have?

DEC EM BER 219

Dec. 15. OCTAVE DAY OF THE IMMACULATE
CONCEPTION

During eight consecutive days the Church celebrates the glory
of the Immaculate Conception. During this season of Advent let
us fix our eyes on the Virgin who is to give us Christ.

Fair Lily, found among the thorns!

Most beauteous Dove with wings of gold !
Rod from whose tender root upsprang

That healing Flower long since foretold !

— Matins: Hymn

I am the Lover of purity and the Giver of all sanctity. I seek
a pure heart, and there is the place of My rest. — Imitat ion:
Book IV.

Ideal: On the calendar we keep the Feast of the Immaculate
Conception for eight days, but in our hearts, oh, in our hearts,
we keep the feast unending, as do the angels and saints and our
Lord in heaven.

Today: Let your heart beat faster at thought of our Lady's
day; let the knowledge that she is soon to give to us the Savior
of the world make your love for Mary grow and make itself
manifest in the increasing likeness of your soul to hers.

Slogan: Help me grow like thee, sweet Maid!

Dec. 16. ST. EUSEBIUS, Bishop, Martyr

Though this saint did not actually shed his blood for the faith,
he suffered so intensely in defense of the purity of religious teach-
ing that he is given the honor reserved for martyrs.

He was sent to Bethsan in the Holy Land, suffering hunger,
thirst, stripes, and all manner of violence, but for the faith's sake
he despised this life, and feared not death, but freely delivered
his body to the tormentors. — Matins: Fifth Lesson.

If thou wouldst persevere dutifully and advance, look on thy-
self as an exile and a pilgrim upon the earth. — Imitation: Book I.

Ideal: This man is classed a martyr and he did not even die
for his faith, though he suffered much and would have died, had
his persecutors been able more easily to accomplish that feat.

Today: You see how very much depends upon one's inten-

220 CHARACTER CALENDAR

tions. God looks upon our will and not upon our actual accom-
plishment. If you become the head of a company then go bank-
rupt, you are a failure, before men. If you are willing to die for
your Faith, actually willing, God gives you a martyr's crown,
whether you actually give your life so or not. See the difference
in working for God?

Slogan; Not what we do, but why.

Dec. 17. ST. OLYMPIAS, Widow

After the death of her husband, St. Olympias devoted herself
to the care of the altar. She performed the office of sacristan for
many^ years. She considered it the greatest of honors to dedicate
her time to the immediate service of her God in the Blessed
Sacrament.

Many daughters have gotten riches, but thou excellest them all.
Favor is deceitful and beauty is vain; a woman that feareth the
Lord, she shall be praised. — Prime: Chapter.

I am He that in an instant elevateth the humble mind to com-
prehend more reasons of the eternal youth than if anyone had
studied ten years in the schools. — Imitation: Book HI.

Ideal: The Seven Great Antiphons begin today. You know
there is no finer poetry than in the liturgy of the church. Here
is the first great antiphon: O Wisdom Who earnest out of the
mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering
all things mightily and sweetly: come and teach us the way of
prudence.

Today: These fine old patriarchs and prophets who wrote un-
der the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit always prayed for
that light of Wisdom. Do you ever think of praying for light and
success in your schoolwork at other times except just before an
examination? You should.

Slogan; Drop down dews, ye heavens, and ye clouds rain
down the Just !

Dec. 18. ST. GATIAN, Bishop

The Gauls among whom St. Gatian worked were extremely ad-
dicted to the worship of idols. St. Gatian was tireless in his
efforts to convert them. Of caves he improvised chapels in which
he said Mass and administered the Sacraments,

DECE MBER 221

This is the faithful and wise steward, whom the Lord setteth
over His family; to give them their measure of wheat in due
season. — Communion: Luke xii.

For the just man will not be troubled, whatever happencth to
him from God. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal; Second Great Antiphon: Adonai, and leader of the
house of Israel, who didst appear to Moses in the flame of the
burning bush, and didst give unto him the law on Sinai: come
and with an outstretched arm redeem us.

Today: Note how these holy men prayed and sighed for a
Leader for the house of Israel. That Leader has come and, in spite
of the four thousand years they waited, He chose rather to come
at a time when you are living, and to live right next door to you,
as it were.

Slogan: No nation has its gods so nigh as our God is nigh
unto us.

Dec. 19. ST. NEMESION, Martyr

St. Nemesion was an Egyptian. Accused of being a Christian,
he was inhumanly tortured, but no mere physical pain could de-
prive him of the heavenly joy that shone on his face; a joy that
astonished both judge and executioner.

Lord, Thou hast set upon us the light of Thy countenance.
Thou hast put gladness into my heart. — Matins: Psalm iv.

And he who neither desireth to please nor feareth to displease
men shall enjoy much peace. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: Third Great Antiphon: O Root of Jesse who standest
for a sign of the people before whom kings shall keep silence, and
unto whom the Gentiles shall make their supplication, come to
deliver us and tarry not.

Today: Read that antiphon again, and then picture to your-
self Him for Whom the nations yearned coming to His people,
born — in a stable.

Slogan: Behold thy King cometh to thee, lowly.

Dec. 20. ST. PHILOGONIUS, Bishop

This saint was one of the most successful lawyers of his day.
He was admired for his eloquence but much more so for his in-

22 2 CHARACTER CALENDAR

tegrity and the blamelessness of his life. He was consecrated a
bishop without having gone through the usual preliminary preo-
a rations.

Therefore by an oath did the Lord make him to increase
among his people. — Vespers: Antiphon.

They shall gain great freedom of mind, who for Thy Name
enter upon the narrow way, and relinquish all worldly care.—
Imitation: Book ///,

Ideal: Fourth Great Antiphon: Key of David and scepter
of the house of Israel, who openest and no man shutteth, who
shuttest and no man openeth; come and bring forth from the
prison house the captive that sitteth in darkness and in the
shadow of death.

Today: Now that Christmas is so very near, you must have
something to present at the Crib. Nothing would so please the
Baby Christ as the soul of some stray sheep of His flock brought
thither by your prayers.

Slogan: The shepherds said: Let us go over to Bethlehem.

Dec. 21. ST. THOMAS, Apostle

By nature slow to believe and somewhat inclined to look at
the dark side of things, he had a most courageous and sympa-
thetic heart. The words: "My Lord and my God," to which the
Church has attached an indulgence, were spoken by St. Thomas
when, after a week of doubt as to the Resurrection of Jesus, he
was convinced by the Lord Himself.

Because thou hast seen Me, Thomas, thou hast believed; blessed
are they that have not seen, and have believed.

A wonderful thing it is, and worthy of faith, and transcending,
all human intelligence, that Thou, Lord God, true God and
true man, art whole and entire under a small form of bread and
wine, art eaten by the receiver and without being consumed —
Imitation: Book IV.

Ideal: Fifth Great Antiphon: Dawn of the East, Bright-
ness of the Light Eternal, and Sun of Justice, come and enlighten
them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Today ; Five days hence, and the sweet feast will be here.
You have not forgotten that you were going to make some sacri-
fices for someone who could never find out who did it for them

DECEMBER 223

Slogan: My Lord and my God!

Dec. 22. ST. ISCHYRION, Martyr

J£5i saint „ was a ■? vant to an Egyptian magistrate. When he
refused to offer sacrifice to the idols he was put to death.

This is a martyr, indeed, who shed his blood for Christ's
Names sake; who feared not the threats of judges, nor sought to
be great with the glory of this world, but pressed on unto the
Kingdom of Heaven. — Matins: Responsory.

If, indeed, there had been anything better, and more beneficial
than suffering, Christ certainly would have showed it by word
and example. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: Sixth Great Antiphon: O King of the Gentiles and the
desired of them, Thou corner stone that makest both one, come
and deliver man, whom Thou didst form out of the dust of the

GET til.

Today: Dust of the earth? We are not so much, are we? But
our soul ? For our soul, the little Christ will begin to suffer from
His first moment among us till His death 33 years after.

Slogan: He loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.
Dec. 23. ST. SERVULUS

St Servulus was a beggar. He was afflicted with palsy: so
wretched was he that he could neither sit nor stand. He was
carried to the entry of a church where he begged for alms He
bore his misery patiently for the love of God, sweetly and coura-
geously, and thus became a saint.

The Lord loved him and beautified him: He clothed him with
a robe of glory, and crowned him at the gates of Paradise.—
Second N actum: Fifth Responsory.

He is gone before thee, carrying His cross, and He died for
tnee upon the cross, that thou mayest also bear thy cross and
love to die on the cross. — Imitation: Book II.

Ideal: Seventh Great Antiphon: O Emmanuel, our King and
Lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Savior, come to
save us, O Lord our God.

Today: Christmas is upon us. You will not forget what it

224 CHARACTER CALENDAR

n P nil 3b ° Ut tW ° d ?/ s _, he L nce > wiU you? It happens so often that
?he£ ™n S ° rff ab ° Ut the ,ovely sin S^g in church and
d«£ S&TrS&^iT&ZlP** the Chri stmas tree that the
cnoL k ! h ld ^ left stretchi ng out His little arms to empty

upon yt™ Ut DOt WUh y ° U h Church; He ^depend

Slogan: I was in prison and you visited Me.
EMBER WEDNESDAY

The four seasons of the year begin with the liturgical periods
known as Ember Weeks. Their importance was very greatTthe

wXeT °l 5 6 ChU ?c ThC Ember DaVS are <*« "Strays
Wednesday, Fnday, and Saturday, intended to consecrate to God

^^SSTTbetSSa and t0 prepare by ■— those

Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds

2£Jf. e £S kt - e aUth be ° pened and bud forth a SavSr -
intrott: Psalm xvin.

Strengthen me with heavenly fortitude, lest the old man, the
miserable flesh not yet subdued to the spirit, get the upper hand

StJrf WC r W ba "l e S0 J 0n S M we breathe &** 2*
wretched hfe. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: The priests who are ordained during these days will
have the care of your soul in the very near future. We are ap

XL ta P fX ?l P T t& ' , think J ng they are So h0 ^ and •» very
close to God, they do not need our prayers; but they do.

tJ2fe P »y for P'iests today, for the priests who have la-
bored long and for those about to take up the burden.

Slogan: p ra y ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that He
send laborers into His Vineyard.

EMBER FRIDAY

vJ? e ^!? -° f t0day SUm . S up P erfectl y the whole spirit of Ad-
£? Tn wh,d \. ,s > so t0 s P T eak ' th e first act of the great drama of

Christ »"• " ' "** be CaIled " The Wctation of

Stir up Thy power, Lord, and come: that they who trust
ySfgJj mav **« mof e speedily be freed from all ad-

DECEMBER 225

****"' SiSfE my ( sweet c Savi "'-. »«« ""is heart recline,
Thou knowest, my Savior, 'twill ever be thine.

EMBER SATURDAY
among us to save us.-jra«fc; r*£f *3L£5 J" " *°™

Storm.- Time and tide wait lor no man-
Dec. 24. VIGIL OP THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD

226 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Son, I came down from heaven for thy salvation; I took upon
Me thy miseries, not of necessity, but moved .thereto by charity;
that thou mightest learn patience and bear without repining tem-
poral miseries. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: This is Christmas Eve. In a few hours Christ will be
bora again in our hearts through Holy Communion. The Babe of
Bethlehem will be with us.

Today: Don't forget that all we do today is done in preparation
for the coming of the Christ Child. Our real happiness tomorrow
will be measured, not by the gifts we have given and received, but
by what we have done to make our poor hearts a fit abode for
the Divine Infant. When we do our work let us do it as though
our blessed Lady were our constant companion.

Slogan: In the morning you shall see His glory.

Dec. 25. CHRISTMAS DAY

The most holy night of Christmas is sanctified by a midnight
Mass, recalling the temporal birth of Christ in His coming of grace.
The early dawn is sanctified by the Mass of the Shepherds, bring-
ing to mind the birth of Christ in our souls by grace. Then the
third Mass in the full light of day reminds us of the eternal birth
of the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity from all eternity in
the Bosom of the Eternal Father.

And the WORD WAS MADE FLESH AND DWELT AMONG
US: and we saw His glory, as it were the glory of the only begot-
ten of the Father, full of grace and truth, — Gospel of the Third
Mass.

Make, therefore, the soul of thy servant joyful this day, because
unto Thee have I lifted up my soul, Lord Jesus. — Imitation:
Book LV.

Ideal: The sweet attractiveness of childhood reaches its perfec-
tion in the Divine Child. No wonder this same Divine Child, when
He had grown to manhood, taught us that "Unless you become
as little children you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven."

Today: There is all the difference in the world between being
childish and childlike. Let us be good children today and thank
our heavenly Father for that Gift of gifts, His only-begotten Son.
Let us be unselfish children, content with what we have and willing
to share with others to make them happy.

Slogan: Jesus, judge me as a child.

DECEMBER 227

Dec. 26. ST. STEPHEN, First Martyr

The Church was still in her infancy when Stephen was com-
missioned to organize the meals where the poor were fed in com-
mon. Brought before the Sanhedrim, he boldly upbraided the
priests for their hard-heartedness in resisting the Holy Ghost. He
was the first of an endless line of Christian martyrs.

And casting him forth out of the city, they stoned him. — Epistle.

Oh ! if thou couldst see the everlasting crowns of the saints in
heaven, and in how great glory they now triumph, who appeared
contemptible heretofore in this world. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: The witnesses of the stoning of St. Stephen laid down
their garments at the feet of a young man whose name was Saul.
This same young man later became the great Apostle St. Paul. He
was the first fruit of St. Stephen's prayer: Lord, lay not this sin
to their charge.

Today: Those who love the Lord must be willing to suffer for
Him. We may never be asked to do what St. Stephen did, bat we
can earn the same heaven by dying to ourselves in little things.
Be glad today for the countless opportunities of suffering in all the
little ways that a loving Providence offers us. If .there are not
enough to satisfy our love for the Divine Christ Child, we know
that we can do many little things that are known to God alone.

Slogan: Peace shall come on one day, which is known to the
Lord. — Imitation: Book III.

Dec 27. ST. JOHN, Apostle- and Evangelist

St. John was the favorite of our Lord because he was clean of
heart. He was thrown by Domitian into a caldron of boiling oil,
for which reason he is reckoned a martyr, though miraculously
preserved from hurt.

Greatly to be honored is John, who leaned on the Lord's breast
at Supper. — Versicle : Second Vespers.

Write, read, sing, lament, keep silence* pray, bear adversities
manfully, eternal life is worth all these and greater combats. —
Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: St. John had the great privilege of caring for the Blessed
Virgin after our Lord's ascension. He is the disciple of Love. There
was one sermon he preached over and over again: My little chil-
dren, let us love one another.

228 CHARACTER CALENDAR

Today: We do well to let St. John preach to us today. The
great lesson of his life: Purity; and the lesson of his sermon:
Fraternal charity.

Slogan; My little children, let us love one another.

Dec. 28. THE HOLY INNOCENTS, Martyrs

When Herod found out that the Wise Men did not return, he
became furious and ordered all the male children in and around
Bethlehem to be put to death.

Praise the Lord, ye children, praise ye the name of the Lord.—
Gradual.

All is little and short which passeth away with time. — Imita-
tion: Book III.

Ideal: Like a compassionate mother, the Church clothes herself
in the garments of mourning as she recalls the anguish of the
mothers of the Holy Innocents.

Today: Notice how the feasts nearest Christmas are those of
martyrs. When we can find our happiness in suffering for Christ
we have found the door to real contentment on earth and ever-
lasting glory hereafter. Let us make a special visit to the Blessed
Sacrament today and ask the Holy Innocents to make our love for
the Divine Child simple and childlike and strong in making
sacrifices.

Slogan: In God we trust.

Dec. 29. ST. THOMAS OF CANTERBURY, Bishop and
Martyr

St. Thomas was a great friend of the king of England until
the former was made bishop. His insistance on the rights_ of the
Church without compromise made him an enemy of the king. He
paid for his loyalty to Christ and the Church with his life.

O God, for Whose Church the glorious Pontiff Thomas fell by
the swords of the wicked: grant, we beseech Thee, that all who
implore his help may obtain a salutary effect of their petition. —
Collect.

Mind what thou art about: labor faithfully in My vineyard: I
will be thy reward. — Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: The true friend is not the one who always says: "Yes,

DECEMBER

229

yes." When there is question of doing right or wrong we must be
willing to sacrifice the dearest friendship .to keep the friendship
of God.

Today: Let us be careful not to demand anything of our
friends that would in the least draw them away from God. On the
other hand, let all those who associate with us be brought closer
.to the Divine Child because of their friendship with us.

Slogan: Adversity tries friendship.

Dec- 30. ST. SABINUS, Bishop and Martyr

St. Sabinus had both his hands cut off and was then beaten to
death with clubs because he refused to deny his Faith.

Blessed is the man who endureth temptation: for when he shall
have been proved, he shall receive the crown of life which God
hath promised to them that love Him. — Epistle.

It is no small matter to lose or gain the kingdom of heaven. —
Imitation: Book HI.

Ideal: St. Sabinus isn't sorry now that in the time of tempta-
tion he had the courage to say "No." Had he succumbed, what a
different Eternity would have been in store for him.

Today: Hilaire Belloc has an essay on "The Tremendousness
of Trifles." Read the essay today and draw your own conclusions.

Slogan: And the least shall be the greatest in the kingdom of
heaven.

Dec. 31. ST. SYLVESTER, Pope and Confessor

St. Sylvester was one of the great Popes who guided the Church
during her troublesome times of persecution. He faced the danger
of death to encourage Christians to be faithful when brought to
trial for their Faith.

Behold a great priest who in his days pleased God. There was
not found the like to him, who kept the law of the Most High. —
Gradual.

Ought not all painful labors to be endured for everlasting life? —
Imitation: Book III.

Ideal: This is the last day of the year. If you have been lovingly
attentive to the voice of the Church in her liturgy, you have

230 CHARACTER CALENDAR

frtTl d nf A n °T * rf 3 - 6S ? f the frlends of Chri5t - Of these
™i«Li t-t St - J ° hn ,n ,l he A P° cal yPse says that he saw a
multitude which no man could number of all nations, and tribes
and peoples, and tongues.

Today: Set aside at least a half hour today for taking spir-
IJ ^yS nt i >r L A T r V' 0U m , aking the pessary effort to be one of

? e f £= k, ?*?■ /° h " Speaks of ? Your conduct minute ^r minute
decides Eternity for you.

Slogan: Only one thing is necessary.

INDEX

Abdon and Sennen, MM., 132

Abraham and Mary, 47

Adrian and Eubulus, MM., 40

Aelred, Ab., 7

Agapitus, M., 143

Agatha, V.M., 22

Agnes, V.M., 13

Albinus, Bp., 38

Alexius, C, 124

All Saints, Feast of, 191 ; Octave

of, 195; Vigil of, 189
All Souls' Day, 192
Aloysius Gonzaga, C, 108
Alphonsus Mary de Liguori, Br»

C, 134
Ambrose, Bp., 214
Anaclctus, Pope, M., 122
Anastasius, Vincent and, MM.,

Andrew, Ap., 209
Andrew Avellino, C, 197
Andrew Corsini, Bp., 22
Angela Merici, V., 95
Anicetus, Pope, M., 67
Anne, Mother of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, 130

Annunciation of the Blessed Vir-
gin Mary, 52

Anselm, Archbp. of Canterbury,

Anthony of Padua, (L, 104
Anthony, Patriarch of Monks,
10

Antoninus, Bp., $2
Antony-Mary Zaccaria, C, 117
Apollonia of Alexandria, M., 25
Apparition of Our Blessed Lady

of Lourdes, 26
Apparition of St. Michael the

Archangel, 81

Appollonius, M., 68
Appolinaris, Apologist, 5
Appolinaris, Bp.M., 128
Assumption of Xhe Blessed Vir-
gin Mary, 142
Athanasius, D., 77
Augustine, Bp.C.D., 149
Augustine of Canterbury, Bp.,

94
Avitus, Ab., 106

Bademus, M., 63
Barachisius, Jonas and Compan-
ions, MM.. 55
Barbatus, Bp., 131
Barnabas, Ap., 103
Bartholomew, Ap., 147
Basil the Great, Bp.D., 105
Basilissa, Julian and, MM., 6
Bathildis, Queen, 18
Bede, CD., 93
Benedict, Ab., 50
Benjamin, Deacon, M., 56
Bernard, Ab.D., 145
Bernardine of Siena, C, 89
Bertha, W., Abbess, 117
Bibiana, V.M., 211
Blaise, Bp.M., 21
Blessed Herman Joseph, C, 161
Bonaventure, Bp.C.D., 122
Boniface, Bp.M., 99
Bridget of Sweden, W., 175
Bruno, C, 174

Caius, Soter and, Popes, MM.,

Cajetan, C, 137
Callistus, Pope, M., 179
Camillus de Lellis, C, 125
Canute, King, M., 11

231

232

INDEX

Casimir, King, 40

Cassian, Hippolytus and, MM.,

141
Catherine, V.M., 206
Catherine of Ricci, 27
Catherine of Siena, V., 76
Catherine of Sweden, V., 51
Cecilia, V.M., 205
Celestine, Pope, 61
Celsus, Nazarius and, MM., 131
Charitas, M., 134
Charles Borromeo, Cardinal, 193
Christ the King, Last Sunday

of October, 189
Christina, V.M., 129
Clare, V., 140
Claude, C, 155
Clement, Pope, M., 205
Climacus, John, Bp., 56
Clotilda, Queen, 98
Conversion of St. Paul, 15
Cosmas and Damian, MM., 168
Crescentia, M., 105

Crispin and Crispinian, MM.,
186

Cunegundis, Empress, 39

Cyprian, Bp.M., 160

Cyprian and Justina, MM., 167

Cyriacus, M., 138

Cyril of Alexandria, Bp.M., 17

Cyril of Jerusalem, Bp.D., 48

Cyril and Methodius, Bp.C, 118

Damasus, Pope, C, 216
Damian, Cosmas and, MM., 168
Dedication of the Church of

Our Lady of the Snow, 136
Denis and His Companions,

MM., 176
Didacus, C, 199
Dominic, C, 136
Dorothy, V.M., 23

Edmund of Canterbury,
Archbp., 201

Edward, King, C, 179
Eighteen Martyrs of Sara-
gossa, 67

Eleutherius, Ab., 154
Eligius, Bp„ 210
Elizabeth, Queen, W., 119
Elizabeth of Hungary, Queen,

W., 203
Elphege, Archbp., 68
Ember Friday, 224
Ember Saturday, 225
Ember Wednesday, 224
Ephrem, Deacon, 119
Epiphanius, Archbp., 84
Epiphany of Our Lord, 3
Espousal of the Blessed Virgin

Mary, 14
Etheldreda, Abbess, 110
Eubulus, Adrian and, MM., 40
Eucherius, Bp., 31
Eulalia, V.M., 216
Eulogius, M., 44

Eulogius, Patriarch of Alexan-
dria, 158

Euphrasia, V., 45

Eusebius, Bp.M., 219

Eusebius, C, 141

Eustace and His Companions,

MM., 163 P

Evaristus, Pope, M., 186
Exaltation of the Holy Cross,

159

Faustinus and Jovita, MM., 28
Feast of the Holy Relics, 194
Felician, Primus and, MM., 102
Felicitas, M., 120
Felicitas and Perpetua, MM., 41
Felix, Pope, M., 95
Felix of Valois, C, 204
Fidelis of Sigmaringen, M., 72
Fides, M., 134
Finbarr, Bp., 166
Finding of the Body of St.
Stephen, 135

INDEX

233

Finding of the Holy Cross, 78
Flavian, Bp.M., 30
Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, 44
Frances of Rome, W., 43
Francis of Assisi, C, 173
Francis Borgia, C, 177
Francis Caracciolo, C., 99
Francis, Impression of the Stig-
mata on the Body of, 161

Francis of Paula, C, 58

Francis of Sales, Bp.D., 17

Francis Xavier, C, 211

Frumentius, Bp., 187

Fulgentius, Bp., 1

Gabriel, Archangel, 52

Rail, Ab., 181

Gatian, Bp., 220

Genevieve, V., 1

George, M., 71

Gertrude, V., 200

Giles, Ab., 152

Goar, Priest, 118

Gregory the Great, Pope, D., 45

Gregory Nazianzen, Bp.D., 2,2

Gregory VII, Pope, 92

Gregory Thaumaturgus, Bp., 201

Hedwig, W., 181

Henry, Emperor, C, 123

Hermenegild, M., 65

Hilarion, Ab., 184

Hilary, Bp., 8

Hippolytus, M., 146

Hippolytus and Cassian, MM.,
141

Holy Cross, Finding of, 78
Holy Guardian Angels, 171
Holy Relics, Feast of the, 194
Hospitius, Recluse, 89
Hubert, Bp., 192
Hugh, Bp., 58
Hyacinth, C, 143

Ignatius, Bp.M., 20

Ignatius of Loyola, C, 133
Immaculate Conception of the

Blessed Virgin Mary, 214
Immaculate Conception, Octave

of the, 219

Innocent I, Pope, C, 131
Irenaeus, Bp.M., 112
Isadore, Archbp., 60
Ischyrion, M., 223

James, Ap., 129

James of La Marca of Ancona,

208

James, Philip and, Aps., 77
Jane Frances Fremiot de Chan-
tal, W., 145

Ja MM iUS and HiS Com P anions -
Jerome, Priest, CD., 170
Jerome Aemilian, C, 126
Joachim, Father of the Blessed
Virgin, 142

John the Baptist, Beheading of,

John the Baptist, Nativity of,

John the Baptist de La Salle,
C, 86

John Before the Latin Gate, 80
John Cantius, C, 183
John Capistran, C, 54
John Chrysostom, Bp.D., 16
John Climacus, Bp., 56
John of the Cross, C, 206
John Damascene, CD., 54
John Eudes, C, 144
John Francis Regis, C, 106
John of God, C, 42
John Gualbert, Ab., 121
John Mary Vianney, C, 138
John of Matha, C, 24
John Nepomucen, M., 86
John and Paul, MM., in
John of St. Facundus, C, 103
John the Silent, Archbp., 84

234

I N DEX

Jonas, Barachisius, and Com-
panions, MM., 55

Joseph, Blessed Herman, C, 61

Joseph Calasanctius, C, 148

Joseph, Solemn Commemora-
tion, 49

Jovita, Faustinus and, MM., 28

Jude, Simon and, Aps,, 187

Julia, V.M., 91

Julian and Basillissa, MM., 5

Juliana Falconieri, V., 107

Julius, Pope, 64

Justin, M., 66

Justin, M., 97

Justina, Cyprian and, MM., 167

Ladislaus, King, 112

Largus, M., 138

Last Sunday of October, Christ

the King, 189
Laurence, M., 139
Laurence Justinian, Bp., 154
Leander, Bp., 36
Leo the Great, Pope, D., 64
Leo II, Pope, C, 116
Leocadia, V.M., 215
Leonard, 194
Louis, King, C, 147
Lucian, M., 4
Lucy, V.M., 217
Ludger, Bp., 53
Luke, Evangelist, 182
Lupicinus, Romanus and, Abs.,

36

Mamertus, Archbp., 83
Marcellianus, Mark and, MM.,

107
Marcellinus, Bp., 69
Marcellus, Centurion, M., 188
Marcellus, Pope, M., 9
Margaret, Queen of Scotland,

102
Mark, Evangelist, 72

Mark and Marcellianus, MM.,
107

Martha, V., 131

Martin, Pope, M., 198

Martin of Tours, Bp., 197

Mary, Abraham and, 47

Mary of Egypt, Penitent, 63

Mary Magdalen, Penitent, 127

Mary Magdalen of Pazzi, V., 94

Matthew, Ap., Evangelist, 164

Matthias, Ap., 34

Maud, Queen, 46

Maurice and His Companions,
MM., 164

Maximus, Bp., 208

Medard, Bp., 101

Methodius, Cyril and, Bp.C,
118

Michael, Archangel, 169

Michael, Archangel, Apparition
of, 81

Modestus, M., 105

Monica, VV-, 79

Most Holy Name of Mary, 158

Most Holy Rosary of the Bless-
ed Virgin Mary, 175

Most Precious Blood of Our
Lord, 115

Narcissus, Bp., 188

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin,

156
Nazarius and Celsus, MM., 131
Nemesion, M., 221
Nicasius, Archbp., and His

Companions, MM., 218
Nicholas, Bp., 213
Nicholas of Tolentino, C, 157
Norbert, Bp.C, 100

Octave Day of the Immaculate

Conception, 219
Odo of Cluny, Ab., 202
Olympias, W., 220

INDEX

235

Onesimus, Disciple of St. Paul

29
Oswald, Bp., 37
Our Lady of Good Counsel, 73
Our Lady Help of Christians, 91
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 124
Our Lady of Ransom, 166

Pachomius, Ab., 85

Pantaleon, M., 130

Paphnutius, Bp., 157

Paschal Baylon, C., 87

Paternus, Bp., 66

Patrick, Bp.C, 48

Paul, Ap., Commemoration of,

114
Paul, Ap., Conversion of, 15
Paul of the Cross, C, 74
Paul, Hermit, 9
Paul and John, MM., Ill
Paul, Peter and, App., 113
Paulinus, Bp.C, 109

Perpetua, Felicitas and, MM.,
41

Perpetuus, Bp., 62
Peter of Alcantara, C, 182
Peter of Alexandria, Bp.M,, 207
Peter Canisius, CD., 74
Peter Celestine, Pope, 88
Peter Chrysologus, D.C, 212
Peter Claver, C, 156
Peter Darnian, Bp.D., 33
Peter Nolasco, C, 19
Peter and Paul, App., 113
Peter of Verona, M., 75
Peter's Chair at Antioch, 33
Peter's Chair at Rome, 11
Philip Benizi, C, 146
Philip and James, App,, 77
Philip Neri, C, 93
Philogonius, Bp., 221
Pius I, Pope, M., 121
Pius V, Pope, 79
Placid and His Companions, 173

Polycarp, Bp.M., 16

Porphyry, Bp., 35

Praxedes, V., 127

Presentation of the Blessed Vir-
gin Mary, 204

Primus and Felician, MM., 102

Ponthinus and Companions,
MM., 97

Purification of ,the Blessed Vir-
gin Mary, 20

Quintin, M., Vigil of All Saints,
189

Raphael, Archangel, 185

Raymund Nonnatus, C, 151

Rcmigius, Bp., 171

Richard of Chichester, Bp., 59

Rita of Cascia, W., 90

Robert of Newminster, Ab., 100

Romanus and Lupicinus, Abs.,

36
Romuald, Ab., 23
Rose of Lima, V., 150
Rose of Viterbo, V., 153

Sabbas, Ab., 213

Saturninus, M., 209

Scholastica, V., 25

Sebastian, M., 12

Sennen and Abdon, MM., 132

Seraphia, V.M., 153

Servulus, C, 223

Seven Brothers, and St. Felici-
tas their Mother, MM., 120

Seven Holy Founders of the
Servite Order, 27

Seven Sorrows of <the Blessed
Virgin, 160

Severianus, Bp.M., 32

Silverius, Pope, M., 108

Simon, Bp.M., 30

Simon and Jude, App., 187

Simon Stylites, 3

Simplicius, Pope, 38

236

INDEX

Smaragdus, M., 138

Sophia and Her Daughters,

MM., 134
Soter and Caius, Popes, MM., 70
Spes, M., 134
Stanislaus, Bp.M., 81
Stanislaus Kostka, C, 199
Stephen, King, C, 152
Stephen, Finding of the Body

of, 135

Susanna, Tiburtius and, MM.

140
Symporian, M., 146

Tarachus and His Companions,
MM., 177

Tarasius, Patriarch of Constan-
tinople, 34

Teresa, V., 180

Thecla, V.M., 165

Theodore, M., 196

Theodoret, M., 185

Theodosius, C, 6

Therese of the Child Jesus,
(The Little Flower), 172

Thomas, Ap., 222

Thomas Aquinas, CD., 42

Thomas of Villanova, Bp., 162

Tiburtius and Susanna, MM.,
140

Timothy, Bp.M., 14

Timothy, M., 146

Titus, Bp., 2

Transfiguration of Our Lord,
137

Ursula, V.M., 1S4

Valentine, M., 28
Valery, Ab., 217
Venantius, M., 88
Veronica of Milan, 8
Victor I, Pope, M., 131
Victorian and Companions,

MM., 51
Vigil of All Saints, Feast of St.

Quintin, M., 189
Vincent and Anastasius, MM.,

13
Vincent Ferrer, C, 60
Vincent de Paul, C., 126
Visitation of ,the Blessed Virgin

Mary, 115
Vitus, M., 10S

Wenceslaus, Duke. M.. 16$
Wilfred, Bp., 178
Willibrord, Bp., 195
William, Ab., Ill
William, Archbp., 6
Wulfran, Archbp., 49

Zachary, Pope, 47
Zephyrinus, Pope, M., 148